I have been at some particularly unusual meetings in the past weeks where the 10 Year Health Plan for England was on the agenda; the problem was that the meetings were ahead of the Plan’s publication, so we were still discussing what might be in the plan. So it is good to finally have the detail. And this is a moment for us all to build on.
We know that the NHS (and most international healthcare systems) need to change how they work to meet the needs of the population. The Government’s launch of its 10 Year Health Plan for England marks an important moment for the health service, and for the children and young people who rely on it.
At RCPCH, we’ve been working hard with the Darzi report team and then the 10 Year Plan team to ensure that paediatrics and child health have been front and centre in the development of this plan. I want to thank the many paediatricians who took the time to share their expertise and experience during the consultation process. Our policy team have prepared a thorough breakdown for members of what the 10 Year Plan means for paediatrics and child health – I encourage you to take a moment to read it.
Until we pointed it out, the 10 Year Plan consultation did not seek the opinions of under 16s. So I’m particularly proud of the contributions made by children and young people themselves. Through RCPCH &Us, we ensured over 2,000 children had the opportunity to say what matters most to them. It’s vital that their perspectives are not only included in policy development but given the weight they deserve. Their insight enriches our understanding and strengthens the case for action.
Our focus doesn’t stop at England’s borders. With elections fast approaching in Scotland, Wales (2026) and also soon in Northern Ireland (2027), we’re focused on how we can shape policy and political engagement across the UK nations. Indeed, the first of our election manifestos to incoming governments launched in the Welsh Senedd on 2 July with cross-party support. Lessons from the 10 Year Health Plan engagement in England will be an invaluable foundation as we look to influence change in every part of the UK.
We’ll keep you updated as this work progresses and as always, thank you for everything you do to improve child health every day.
#WDYCD4U - Introducing the RCPCH Clinical Leaders Programme
I am delighted to announce our brand-new RCPCH Clinical Leaders Programme is open for applications. It is a bespoke leadership programme for those in senior leadership roles, as well as those preparing to step into such roles within the next 12 months.
Members called for such a programme in the 2024 membership survey and it now offers an immersive 9-month journey focused on personal and professional growth. Participants will take part in in-person training days and high-impact monthly webinars, delivered by experienced facilitators and leading clinicians. They will also benefit from supportive action learning sets, providing a valuable opportunity to learn alongside peers.
Places are limited so get your application in!
Our report on vaccinations and a reminder to ‘think measles’
To better understand the decline in vaccination rates, last year we created a ‘Commission on Immunisation Access, Uptake and Equity.’ In a report published last week, the Commission concluded that despite wanting their children protected, families struggle to navigate a fragmented and confusing system - especially among ethnic minorities, disadvantaged households, and migrant communities. On launch day, Dr Helen Stewart was on BBC Breakfast discussing barriers preventing parents from vaccinating their children. You can explore our findings and recommendations in the BBC’s coverage of our report.
In the UK not a single routine childhood vaccine meets the WHO 95% coverage target, and, as a result, preventable conditions such as measles and whooping cough are on the rise. Over the weekend, we saw the tragic death of a child in Liverpool, and growing concern of a potential measles outbreak in England. The College will be responding more fully in due course, but I wanted to take this opportunity to signpost to our ‘Think measles’ poster, which reminds healthcare professionals to take opportunities to talk to families about immunisations and respond to their questions.
NIHR Programme Development Grants - Celebrating Research Success
In 2024, NIHR partnered with RCPCH to fund research addressing urgent challenges in children’s health and care. One year on, we’re showcasing the progress of projects led by College members, whose work is already making a difference. Discover more about their impact and ongoing work.
Coming soon: “Leading the way” – the RCPCH leadership podcast
Launching this Wednesday, our new podcast series explores leadership in paediatrics through real stories, expert insights and practical tools. Hosted by Dr Jonathan Darling, each episode will inspire and empower you to lead with purpose, wherever you are in your career.
Look out for the first episode this week with Dr Simon Broughton on RCPCH Podcasts, available Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or find on our new Learning the way page on RCPCH Learning. #LeadingTheWay
Abstract submissions now open for RCPCH Conference 2026
As preparations for the RCPCH Conference 2026 gather pace, I am delighted to announce that abstract submissions are now open.
If you have completed a research study, audit, or quality improvement project you are proud of, now is the perfect time to share it. Submitting an abstract gives you the opportunity to present your project to a national audience, be published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood and to inspire and connect with fellow child health professionals.
Need a little inspiration? You can explore the 2025 abstract submissions.
Submit your abstract by Friday 5 September and join us in shaping the conversation at RCPCH Conference 2026!
Industrial action
You will no doubt have seen that BMA resident doctors have voted in favour of taking industrial action. The union now has a mandate for possible industrial action for six months, up to January 2026. We have some resources on our website with advice and FAQs related to industrial action.
In case you missed it… Commons debate on children’s health
Finally, it was great to see children’s health firmly on the parliamentary agenda last week, with a dedicated Commons debate where MPs raised many of the College’s key priorities and recommendations. This debate was initiated by the College and themes discussed included community paediatrics, long waiting times, child poverty, and equal protection from physical punishment. You can watch the full debate.
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