15 October 2018
RCPCH’S new report highlights that England is falling behind other European countries in improving child health.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)’s new report: Child health in 2030 in England: comparisons with other wealthy countries uses long-term historical data to project outcomes for children and young people’s health in 2030. It predicts that without urgent action in England by 2030:
- mortality rates are set to be 140% higher for infants than in comparable wealthy nations
- reported mental health problems may increase by 60%
- A&E attendances among children and young people likely to increase by 50%
- nearly one-third of England’s most deprived boys will be obese.
The college argues that a properly funded health strategy which could transform the life chances of children and young people is needed urgently if England is to stem the predicted rises.
We welcome the report’s recommendation that: “NHS England must mandate all maternity services to achieve and maintain Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation“, highlighting the importance of early nutrition and relationships in laying a strong foundation for future health.
NHS England must mandate all maternity services to achieve and maintain Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation.
RCPCH, Child Health in England in 2030