The UK National Health Service across the UK was administered from London until devolution happened in 1999. Over the intervening years NHS England, Health and Social Care NI, NHS Scotland and NHS Wales have delivered healthcare for their populations in several different ways.
NHS England introduced an internal market (something most doctors still don’t fully understand, including this one) and is currently being subsumed into the Department of Health and Social Care. The other three UK nations retained a non-competitive model of funding regional health boards/trusts, but with differing models of health and social care. So, what can we learn from this natural experiment?
Sadly, the best available evidence is that none of the four nations have done any better for their populations. Comparison of outcomes across the four UK nations is challenging for several reasons, including different methodologies being used to report the same outcome. Notwithstanding these limitations, last week’s State of Child Health report confirmed that outcomes are poor across the UK.
I acknowledge that some outcomes in some UK nations are perhaps a bit better compared to other nations; but let’s not split hairs, we are not winning. In reality, devolution has just made a few minor changes to the original 1948 NHS model. So, ending on a positive note, devolution has taught us that major changes to the NHS are required. With recently appointed leaders in Holyrood, the Senedd and Westminster, and elections in Northern Ireland next May, we have a window of opportunity to advocate for investment children and young people and their workforce. We also need to do our bit and transform how we deliver care.
#WDYCD4U: Digital Health Hub skills roadmaps
As digital technologies continue to transform children and young people’s healthcare, our Digital Health Hub aims to make it easier for members to find trusted information, build confidence, and make informed decisions about digital solutions. We have recently launched the Digital Skills Roadmaps, offering members guidance to build the knowledge and capabilities needed for digital healthcare. These roadmaps:
- Outline core digital competencies for different roles
- Highlight learning opportunities and development pathways
- Support professional development
Log in to explore the Digital Skills Roadmaps today to start building your digital confidence and capability.
Abstract submissions are now open for RCPCH Conference 2027
You may think May 2027 is too far in the future to think about. However, we are already busy planning our next RCPCH Conference and are inviting abstract submissions and workshop proposals for next year's conference (19-21 May - Liverpool). This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your research or project at the UK’s leading paediatric event. Find out more and get involved – we can’t wait to see it all come together next year!
New chair of RCPCH’s Board of Trustees announced
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Eileen Milner as our new chair of our Board of Trustees. Eileen takes over from Joanne Shaw, on 1 November and brings extensive experience across the NHS, education and the private sector. Her role will involve leading the Board to oversee the College’s strategic direction and ensure that the voices of children, young people and our members are at the heart of our work.
BPSU Five-Year Report 2021–2025
The five-year report brings together the achievements and impact of the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, highlighting how our surveillance programme continues to improve understanding of rare childhood conditions and inform research, policy and clinical care across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Member briefing on the public naming of clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children
Following the Supreme Court ruling on the public naming of clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children, the College developed a resource to summarise the Supreme Court’s decision and its implications. It also outlines our recommendations in light of this ruling.
In 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned High Court Reporting Restriction Orders (RROs) that had protected the identities of healthcare staff involved in legal proceedings concerning the care of two critically ill children.
In case you missed it... apply for our Clinical Leaders programme 2027
We’re inviting applications for our Clinical Leaders programme 2027, a nine-month bespoke course, designed exclusively for senior paediatric professionals. The aim being to create confident, connected and reflective leaders, something that is particularly important during a time of challenge across the NHS.
This is ideal for those already in or aspiring to step into leadership roles in the next few years. If this sounds like something that could benefit you, I’d encourage you to apply before the deadline on Sunday 9 August.
Best wishes all round,
Steve
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