News
RCPCH responds to the Thirlwall Inquiry report
15 September 2026
On Tuesday 15 September, Lady Justice Thirlwall published the Thirlwall Inquiry report.
Health policy
Resource
Improving help and child protection: revised framework - consultation response
In September 2026, RCPCH responded to the Department for Education (DfE) consultation on the proposed revised framework for help and child protection. In our response, we welcomed proposals to strengthen children's voices and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, while calling for greater recognit...
Resource
State of Child Health 2026: Wales - Quick read
State of Child Health 2026 provides a clear and comprehensive overview of children’s health across the UK, analysing progress against 12 key child health indicators. Our quick read report in English and Welsh summarises data and recommendations for Wales.
News
Paediatricians fear that children in Wales may become ‘unhealthiest generation in decades’.
9 September 2026
New data analysis shows children’s health in Wales is declining, with poorer outcomes in oral health, asthma and mental health, alongside some of the worst obesity rates in the UK.
Resource
State of Child Health 2026: Northern Ireland - Quick read
State of Child Health 2026 provides an overview of children’s health across the UK, analysing progress against 12 key child health indicators, and sets out a roadmap for change. By placing children at the centre of policy, funding and service design, Northern Ireland can build a health system that g...
News
Children’s health in Northern Ireland in ‘shocking decline’ warn paediatricians
7 September 2026
Children in Northern Ireland are experiencing worsening outcomes in areas such as obesity, mental health, asthma and even infant mortality.
News
RCPCH responds to Scottish Programme for Government 2026 to 2031
3 September 2026
This Programme for Government sets out the Scottish Government's agenda for the next five years, supported by annual delivery plans to monitor progress and implementation.
News
Building strong foundations in the first 1,001 days: The new "Babies Bill"
3 September 2026
Tomorrow, MPs will debate a new Bill in the House of Commons that seeks to protect in law the services provided for infants, parents and carers. In this blog, RCPCH's Early Years Clinical Lead, Dr Saras Hosdurga, explains why the College is calling on MPs to support the Bill, and what more is needed...
Resource
Informing the mental health strategy for England: call for evidence – consultation response
In July 2026, RCPCH responded to the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) call for evidence to inform the development of a new mental health strategy for England.
Our response focuses on the needs of infants, children and young people and highlights the importance of prevention, early in...
News
Collaborative Healthcare in England, one year on...
18 August 2026
Last year, we reported on long waiting times for community child health services. By March 2027, NHS England aims that at least 78% of community health service activity occur within 18 weeks, but the data shows we still have a long way to go.