There’s also big news about the NHS England and DHSC merger, and the College’s ongoing work to safeguard child health services. Plus, find out how you can help improve the College website and explore the newly updated Purple Book on child protection. Read on for all the latest updates and ways to get involved!
You will hopefully be aware that the College conference is taking place in Glasgow in less than two weeks. This is one of the highlights on my College calendar, an opportunity for us to come together for education, networking and socialising. We have 1,612 delegates registered already. You can register online, and also turn up on the day and register.
Before it became the RCPCH, the British Paediatric Association held annual meetings. The College archives retain a note of the 1934 meeting held in Windermere. Presentations at that meeting included some familiar topics, eg “recurrent abdominal pain”, “a follow up of some coeliac cases”, and some less familiar topics including “calcium in the treatment of chorea” and “sunlight and pink disease”. The evening entertainment on 2 March that year was a 16mm cinematographic film of Mickey Mouse! Things have moved on a bit over the following 91 years where we have multiple parallel sessions (two of which will be live streamed), a creche facility and opportunity for a morning 5k run! I wonder what our members in 2116 will recognise of 2025’s programme?
I hope to see many of you in Glasgow later this month.
#WDYCD4Y - Improving our website
I’m always keen to share ways you can shape your College’s work. In last year’s Member Survey, many of you said you’d like to more easily find our online content on the College website. To address this, the College is collaborating with a user research agency, Web Usability, on a significant project to enhance our main website. We are looking for volunteers to test a new navigation system. This will take about 15-20 minutes. To help out please click here. Many thanks! Do get involved!
Our online Purple Book is now available on Child Protection Portal
We’ve fully updated our Physical Signs of Child Sexual Abuse, known as Purple Book. It outlines best practices for paediatric forensic examinations where there are concerns about child sexual abuse and provides an evidence-based review of physical signs to support professionals in safeguarding children.
This online resource replaces the printed edition from 2015. It includes updated terminology and expanded clinical guidance, and it reflects the latest research and best practices in forensic assessment.
Purple Book is available to all RCPCH members on our Child Protection Portal, and you’ll need to log in to your RCPCH account. Find out more and access Purple Book.
NHS England to merge with DHSC
You will have heard of big changes in NHS England this week, following on from the announcement of a merger between NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. This is the final reversal of the Lansley reforms of 2012, and the Secretary of State has said the transition will take two years. Details of what implications this has for members and our patients in England are yet to emerge. The College is keeping a close eye on the situation. We will be seeking assurances that child health services and the workforce does not fall through the gaps.
Reflecting on six months of progress in child health services
Six months have whizzed past since we published our landmark Blueprint to Transform Child Health Services in England – and what a roller coaster it's been. Our brilliant Officer for Health Services Ronny Cheung and Head of Health Policy Alison Firth have published their reflections on key developments. We will continue to highlight the Blueprint to the Government throughout the reforms to NHS England.
Physician Associates in the UK – have your say
You may know that a review of Physician Associates (PAs) was announced back in autumn 2024, led by Professor Gillian Leng CBE. We’ve written to the review team to share the results of our member consultation survey, which is available on our website. The Leng review has now issued a second call for evidence, seeking the views of healthcare professionals who have experience of working with both PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs). We encourage members working in the UK with relevant experience to share their views and experiences directly with the Leng review – deadline 30 March. You can access the survey here.
WHO Call to Action: Support Clean Air for All
The WHO is calling on global leaders to take urgent action on air pollution ahead of the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, March 2025. Exposure to air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death in children under 5, both globally and in the UK. As a healthcare professional, you can add your name to this call to demand bold solutions for clean air for all. If you are interested in this topic, have a look at the recently-published RCPCH Air Pollution Companion resource to find out more.
In case you missed it…
Another week, another opportunity to engage with the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, which now feels more important than ever. If you are a member working in England, there is still time to give your views and make the case for children and young people to be adequately represented through the new ‘priorities for change’ survey (closing 14 April).
Best wishes,
Steve
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