A study out today is warning that long waits for health services is seeing children negatively impacted
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health survey of paediatricians showed that 75% of participants reported already seeing children being negatively affected by long waiting times for treatment.
It also shows 74% of paediatricians are seeing children and young people who have waited over 18 weeks for an appointment, with 77% very concerned by these long waits while
82% of paediatricians stated there is not an appropriate level of capacity locally to meet increasing demand.
They say that this situation is the result of a decade of chronic underinvestment and lack of national prioritisation in children’s health.
They have also published a major new report ‘From left behind to leading the way: a blueprint for transforming child health services in England,’ highlighting how the lack of investment in children’s health is having severe consequences for outcomes, the sustainability of child health services, and the long-term health of our population.
Their survey highlights that without due attention the desperate situation described by paediatricians in its survey will only get worse. However, with a renewed focus at the heart of government on children’s health and wellbeing, the College is hopeful for change
RCPCH President, Professor Steve Turner, said:
Children and young people are 25% of the population and 100% of the future, yet the evidence clearly shows that as a country we are failing our children. Paediatricians are working hard to provide high quality care, but without proper support, they face an uphill battle. I’m deeply troubled by the current situation. We now have a two-tier healthcare system where services for adults are invested in, while children are left behind.
I know that with a renewed focus we can turn this around. Today, we present the UK government with a series of practical solutions that will enable them to deliver on their commitment to raise the healthiest generation of children in our history. We want to work with the government and relevant bodies, so that children and the child health workforce are considered as part of all health policy decision making. Investing in and reforming paediatric services is not only valuable but is fundamental to the future health and economic wellbeing of our country.
