Menu
10/04/2003
'Child-friendly' NHS services to receive £70m
A £70 million investment in neonatal intensive care facilities and new national standards to deliver more "child-friendly" services in hospitals have been launched today by Health Secretary Alan Milburn.
The new standards cover the design and delivery of hospital services for children, the safety and quality of care and could help to ensure children are cared for in hospital settings which adequately reflect the needs of their own age-group.
The new standards mean NHS hospitals should consider introducing education support so children do not fall behind in their schooling, dedicated children's units in A&E departments, specialist training for staff dealing with children and play specialists who help children cope with the distress of being in hospital.
The £70 million will provide over the next three years up to 75 new cots and other specialist equipment designed for babies weighing less than 1500 grams. In addition, the report of an inquiry into caring for newborn and premature babies, published today for consultation, estimates that 200-300 lives could be saved each year by restructuring services to concentrate the most modern equipment and the most highly skilled staff in a network of specialist centres.
Speaking on a visit to children's facilities at Homerton Hospital, East London, Mr Milburn said: "No-one wants their child to have to go into hospital, but if they do it is important their stay is safe, comfortable and that the care they receive is of the highest standard. Children are not mini-adults. They have particular needs which hospitals should address."
However, Mr Milburn warned that the standards "cannot be delivered overnight", and could only be delivered in a "sustained period of expansion".
Also following recommendations made in the Kennedy Inquiry, hospitals will now be expected to appoint a 'children's champion' at board level to ensure that the standards are met.
In addition to that, recommendations by the Laming Inquiry are set to be introduced that no child should be discharged from hospital without a care plan.
(GMcG)
The new standards cover the design and delivery of hospital services for children, the safety and quality of care and could help to ensure children are cared for in hospital settings which adequately reflect the needs of their own age-group.
The new standards mean NHS hospitals should consider introducing education support so children do not fall behind in their schooling, dedicated children's units in A&E departments, specialist training for staff dealing with children and play specialists who help children cope with the distress of being in hospital.
The £70 million will provide over the next three years up to 75 new cots and other specialist equipment designed for babies weighing less than 1500 grams. In addition, the report of an inquiry into caring for newborn and premature babies, published today for consultation, estimates that 200-300 lives could be saved each year by restructuring services to concentrate the most modern equipment and the most highly skilled staff in a network of specialist centres.
Speaking on a visit to children's facilities at Homerton Hospital, East London, Mr Milburn said: "No-one wants their child to have to go into hospital, but if they do it is important their stay is safe, comfortable and that the care they receive is of the highest standard. Children are not mini-adults. They have particular needs which hospitals should address."
However, Mr Milburn warned that the standards "cannot be delivered overnight", and could only be delivered in a "sustained period of expansion".
Also following recommendations made in the Kennedy Inquiry, hospitals will now be expected to appoint a 'children's champion' at board level to ensure that the standards are met.
In addition to that, recommendations by the Laming Inquiry are set to be introduced that no child should be discharged from hospital without a care plan.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 February 2015
'Black Alert' Hospital Cancels Routine Operations
Plymouth Hospitals Trust in Devon has cancelled more than 1,000 routine operations, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood that the hospital has been on "black alert" since January: a black alert is issue when a hospital is overwhelmed by demand.
'Black Alert' Hospital Cancels Routine Operations
Plymouth Hospitals Trust in Devon has cancelled more than 1,000 routine operations, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood that the hospital has been on "black alert" since January: a black alert is issue when a hospital is overwhelmed by demand.
18 December 2014
Women Diagnosed With Cancer Following Recall Of Patients
Six out of 30 women recalled following concerns about breast cancer screenings have been diagnosed with the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust recalled the women after a review of 626 cases between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that all the women were screened by the same radiologist.
Women Diagnosed With Cancer Following Recall Of Patients
Six out of 30 women recalled following concerns about breast cancer screenings have been diagnosed with the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust recalled the women after a review of 626 cases between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that all the women were screened by the same radiologist.
31 January 2013
Only Third Of Hospitals Share Crime Data With Police
Only a third of areas in England are following through on a government pledge to make hospitals share violent crime data with police, an audit has shown. The results of the Department of Health audit have cause the government to write to hospitals and chief constables for an explanation.
Only Third Of Hospitals Share Crime Data With Police
Only a third of areas in England are following through on a government pledge to make hospitals share violent crime data with police, an audit has shown. The results of the Department of Health audit have cause the government to write to hospitals and chief constables for an explanation.
15 May 2014
Hospitals Leave Patients To 'Die In Pain'
A new audit on the provision of care for people dying in hospitals has found significant variations in care across hospitals in England.
Hospitals Leave Patients To 'Die In Pain'
A new audit on the provision of care for people dying in hospitals has found significant variations in care across hospitals in England.
11 January 2013
Savile Abused Children At 14 Hospitals
Jimmy Savile has been described as "predatory and opportunistic" following a police report which confirmed the late TV presenter committed sexual abuse offences at 14 hospitals. Commander Peter Spindler of the Metropolitan police said Savile had used his power and fame to "hide in plain sight".
Savile Abused Children At 14 Hospitals
Jimmy Savile has been described as "predatory and opportunistic" following a police report which confirmed the late TV presenter committed sexual abuse offences at 14 hospitals. Commander Peter Spindler of the Metropolitan police said Savile had used his power and fame to "hide in plain sight".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Bright spells with a few showers continuing through this evening. Some drier, clearer periods in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
