Middle East conflict
The College and the paediatric community continue to be deeply concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The difficulties of aid getting to children is alarming and we have again written to the UK Foreign Secretary calling on the UK government to do everything it can do to help ensure a complete lift on the aid blockade and to support aid delivery mechanisms.
The College has also called for assurance that the volume and speed of aid delivery is appropriate to the urgency and scale of need. The College will continue to advocate on behalf of members in highlighting the impact of the crisis on children and calls on the Government to use its influence to bring about a permanent ceasefire, return of all hostages and a funded plan for long-term reconstruction.
Review of children's hearing services - call for evidence
You may already be aware of a review of children’s hearing services being led by former College President, Dr Camilla Kingdon. The review will consider:
- NHS England’s response to the service failures in children’s hearing services
- how the relevant governance arrangements between NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care could be improved, and identify lessons learned
- how NHS England’s handling of any future service failures in similar services could be improved, and identify lessons learned.
This call for evidence is seeking the views of individuals with experience of children’s hearing services in England and professionals and organisations who work in or with children’s hearing services in England. Can I encourage all relevant bodies to consider inputting to the call for evidence, which closes on 2 June.
Research essentials day for paediatricians in training on 17 June
Are you a postgraduate paediatric trainee with limited research experience? Join our free online event to explore research essentials, from study design to data analysis, with example career paths, expert-led talks, and a live Q&A. Register for this year's event.
Recordings from last year are also available on RCPCH Learning.
Join the call for a National Play Strategy
Article 31 enshrines a child’s right to rest, relaxation and play. Some of our members have worked with Starlight Children’s Foundation to develop an open letter, calling on the government to develop a new play strategy. I invite you to join me and consider adding your name.
Our community child health campaign
Community child health services and community paediatricians provide vital support to children, including some of the most vulnerable. Average waiting times are now some of the longest of any health system – this data, coupled with member feedback across the UK, indicated a timely need for the College to campaign. Given the continued pressure on these services, there is a need to influence decision-makers across all four nations. We kicked this campaign off with our Scotland report and a great event in the Scottish Parliament, attended by the Cabinet Secretary and many of our dedicated members. We’ve submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament and will meet the Cabinet Secretary to discuss approaches to positive change.
In England, data shows that there is inequity between children and young people’s and adult’s community health services. Paediatric services are not recovering at the same rates as adult services, and there is a growing gap between demand and capacity. Our new England report shines a spotlight on this and makes a series of recommendations for action. Look out for similar reports for Wales and Northern Ireland next month.
In case you missed it… take part in our snapshot workforce survey
The College is preparing for upcoming opportunities to call for change through the anticipated NHS Long Term Workforce Plan refresh and implementation of the NHS 10 Year Plan. Our snapshot survey to members asks for your recent experiences of working in the NHS to help bolster our calls to government. The anonymous survey should take no more than three minutes of your time. Many thanks for considering!
Steve
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