Alexandra Norrish, managing director of the Children’s Hospital Alliance (CHA), said: “We welcome the publication of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and its ambition to improve health outcomes across the country.
“Increased access to NHS dentistry, tackling the causes of excess weight, improving mental health support and better early years support for families are all positive steps forward. The Neighbourhood Health Service has the potential to transform healthcare for children and we welcome the plans to have them work with family hubs and education partners.
“We are pleased the Government is focusing on prevention, early intervention and integrating care. However, there is a huge amount of work to be done in making children’s health a priority, including ensuring there is an appropriate workforce to provide care.
“Health inequalities and rising demand for physical and mental health services shows the need for a truly preventative, outcome-focused health service, that ensures childhood provides the building blocks for healthier and happier futures.
“The unique needs of babies, children, young people and their families must be at the heart of any long-term vision for the NHS to ensure the future health of our country.
Our children and young people need:
- A dedicated national strategy and implementation plan for children’s healthcare, underpinned by data and clinical leadership, covering health, wellbeing and prevention
- A national commissioning strategy for children to improve equitable access to specialist healthcare, funding and high-cost drugs
- A Child Poverty Strategy, which tackles the root causes of health inequalities
- Action to address long waiting times for paediatric care for planned treatment and mental health services
- Investment into specialist workforce training to build a sustainable future for children’s services in both hospitals and the community
“As a partnership of specialist children’s hospitals, we remain committed to working with the government on the key areas outlined in the Plan, as we continue to advocate for the best possible tomorrows for the children of today.”