The middle of June in the UK is a predictable time. The evenings go on forever. The weather is invariably unseasonable (this year it is a typically hot). Wimbledon gets going. And the College has its senior staff and officers' strategy day. For understandable reasons, the latter does not make the headlines. But in the College calendar this is an important time for our decision-makers to have 24 hours of space to think and reflect on our current and future direction of travel (ie our strategy).
This year's away day was focused on how we best use the College's finite resources to best meet out strategic and charitable goals. We also reflected on how in these ever-changing times, we capture and represent members' views, as well as our approach to endorsing resources produced by other organisations.
One of our four goals in our strategy is that “child health is at the centre of decision making across the four nations”. In two weeks’ time, we’ll publish our latest report on the State of Child Health, which is a major part of this goal and describes indices of child health across the UK, the first to do so since the pandemic. Since health was devolved to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales there are disparate data available for each nation, but a paucity of pan-UK data. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for more information (including in the next edition of Milestones) as we prepare to publish on 14 July.
#WDYCD4U
Many members will have a Blue Light Card through working for the NHS, but did you know you are also eligible for the Totum discount card as an RCPCH membership benefit? Please have a look at what’s on offer.
Understanding the assessment review - our new podcast
Today we released a brand new podcast exploring and understanding our assessment review. As many of you know, we've been reviewing the assessment programme within the Progress+ curriculum for doctors in postgraduate paediatric training. Following a consultation on the new workplace-based assessments, we have now submitted these proposed changes to the General Medical Council for approval. This marks a significant step towards embedding assessment within everyday clinical work.
Cathryn Chadwick, whose five-year tenure as Vice President for Training and Assessment closes this week, has been leading this work. In this episode, she speaks with two members of our Trainee Committee, Josh Hodgson - Chair, and Sarah Hallett - Assessment Representative.
Whether you're a trainee, trainer or simply interested in how paediatric assessment is evolving, tune in for a clear overview of what's changing and why it matters. Don't forget, all our podcast episodes can be found on Spotify and Apple.
Ockenden review
I am sure that, like me, many members found the details of Donna Ockenden's review of Independent Review of Maternity Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust distressing. It is incredibly important that lessons are learned and necessary action is taken to lead to meaningful change for women, babies and families. We are working closely with the British Association for Perinatal Medicine, and you can read our initial response.
Global opportunities for clinicians
We’re currently recruiting clinicians for our Global Links programme in Nepal. In case you didn’t know, our Global team recruit paediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians, paediatric and neonatal nurses, and midwives for our programmes overseas.
Our brilliant Global team brings clinicians together with local teams to help improve care and health systems for children in lower income countries. While advertised as a volunteer opportunity, we’ll cover things like living costs, travel, training and long-term support.
If you’ve ever considered working overseas, now is a great time to get involved. I'd also encourage you to read our global child health impact report.
Our membership ceremony in Brighton
Last week, we welcomed new Members and Fellows to the Brighton Dome for our Membership ceremony, as we celebrate their new MRCPCH/FRCPCH status. It’s always a real pleasure to share this milestone moment with everyone attending.
The day was hosted by our VP for Health Policy, Mike McKean and our Officer for Health Services, Ronny Cheung. Really sorry I could not join you, but I hope all of you had a brilliant day celebrating such a well-deserved achievement. If you'd like to see pictures from the day, check out our post on LinkedIn.
In case you missed it... our NPDA is in the spotlight
Last week, the College was named a joint runner-up during Clinical Audit Awareness Week for our National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA). CAAW, hosted by HQIP, highlights the important role that clinical audits and data play in improving patient care.
Our RCPCH &Us NPDA youth voice project is all about improving the quality of care for children and young people living with diabetes, so it’s really encouraging to see this work recognised.
Best wishes all round,
Steve
This message was emailed to all RCPCH members who are opted in to receive College updates / professional updates on 30 June. You can update your contact preferences at any time - log in to your RCPCH online account, go to My account | Your contact preferences, then make sure you've ticked College updates / professional updates.