Responding to Labour’s new Child Health Action Plan, Miriam
Deakin, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers said:
“This plan could be a critical step towards ensuring children in
England are as happy and healthy as possible.
“Targeting public health issues such as obesity and smoking, as
well as mental health in childhood and adolescence, would help
prevent ill health later in life.
“But children’s health is influenced by many factors, including
housing, education, and public health funding, so action in these
areas is also needed.
“Children and young people are a third of the population but
receive disproportionately less healthcare investment despite
many long-term conditions developing during this period.
“We therefore urge a whole-government approach that tackles the
root causes of health inequalities and addresses the broader
determinants of health.
“Better capital investment in mental health and community
settings is also key to ensure fit-for-purpose environments that
deliver highly-quality care as close to home as possible.
“Sharper focus on addressing long waits for community services,
including assessments for neurodevelopmental pathways, community
paediatrics, and speech and language therapy, is also vital to
helping children and young people stay well and happy at home,
contributing to a healthier society.”
