MedWorm: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Women with diabetes warned to take precautions when having a baby

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:04 +0100

Diabetic mothers-to-be have high risk of giving birth to children with congenital abnormality, study saysWomen who have diabetes are almost four times more likely to have a baby with a birth defect, research reveals.One out of 13 mothers-to-be with either Type 1 or Type 2 of the disease on giving birth have a child with a major congenital abnormality as a direct result of their condition. Overall for such women, the risk of having a child with a birth defect of whatever kind is 7%, according to the journal Diabetologia. The risk of having a baby who has a birth defect is 2% in females without diabetes.Researchers led by Ruth Bell from Newcastle University reached their conclusions after studying 401,149 single-baby pregnancies between 1996 and 2008 in the north of England, 1,677 of them pr...

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Toddler diarrhoea: is it a useful diagnostic label?

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article, which follows a debate between the authors on the topic at the 2010 Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Annual meeting, discusses the differential diagnoses of a young child presenting with the so-called toddler diarrhoea. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

World Health Organization growth charts for monitoring the growth of Australian children: Time to begin the debate

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe recently released World Health Organization growth charts are methodologically robust, as well as clinically useful tools for monitoring the growth of children. They have been endorsed by premier organisations such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK), Canadian Pediatric Society, Australian Breastfeeding Association, United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition, International Union of Nutrition Sciences, International Pediatric Association and the European Childhood Obesity Group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics have also recently endorsed these charts for the 0‐ to 24‐month age group in USA. These growth charts have been adopted by many countries including Canada, UK and New Zealand. ...

Highlights from this issue

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Warning systems and ethics I can't remember an issue of Archives with greater breadth in every sense: geographical; biomedical and philosophical. Once assimilated, though, two distinct themes became clear; warning systems and ethics within child health which share similar uncertainties. Screening systems for adverse outcomes invariably entail difficult decisions; the trade off between over ‘identification’ of pathology, poorer specificity and greater economy with the risk of missing real cases, poorer sensitivity. Three papers demonstrate the tension in different ways. Three further papers, examine ethical equipoise from different angles: new techniques for previously incurable disease; the legal nuances of parental responsibility and the unique vulnerability of adolescents. Fi...

'Turning the Tide': increasing and strengthening child health research

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

High quality research benefits the health of infants, children and young people. Their well-being is the core business of paediatricians.1 Of course, the corollary is that paediatricians must be closely involved. Data gathered by the Science & Research Department of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) reveal trends that cannot be ignored. Our last census showed that less than 1 in 10 UK consultant paediatricians have identified time for research in their job plans (compared with 1 in 4 consultant physicians). A higher degree (MD or PhD) is held by 30% of consultant paediatricians aged 50 years and above, 25% aged 40–49 years, but only 12% of those aged 30–39 years. Less than 5% of the research spends of the major UK funders address child health issues....

[Correspondence] UK Royal Colleges and health service reform

LANCET — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In a press release, the UK's Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) welcomed the report by the National Health Service (NHS) Future Forum, which it considers “passes the test for children”. But does it actually pass the test for anyone? (Source: LANCET)

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EWTD: incompatible with subspecialty training?

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Subspecialty paediatric training in the UK is organised through a national grid, with trainees centrally appointed for their final 3 years of training. Historically, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) College Specialty Advisory Committee has recommended that a trainee in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (PGHAN) should spend at least 70% of working hours in that subspecialty. As a result of changes due to the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), there has been an increasing perception from both trainees and trainers that there is insufficient time spent within their subspecialty. To attempt to quantify the effects of the EWTD on subspecialty training in PGHAN, we surveyed current UK trainees. For comparison, 14 consultants who completed trainin...

Turbulence facing the NHS risks having a negative impact on child protection, college says

BMJ Online First — Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The future of the NHS and the "huge turbulence" it faces risk having a worryingly negative impact on the protection of vulnerable children, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Corrections

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A novel cluster of rotavirus-associated neurological symptoms. C Jackson, P Bryant, T G Day (Arch Dis Child 2011;96:A53–A54). In this abstract published in the supplement from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Annual Conference, the order of authors was incorrect. T G Day is the first author and not last. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Doctors call for "radical" package of reforms to children's services

NeLM - News — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News According to a BMJ news item, a report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has warned that a radical and urgent redesign of paediatric hospital services is needed in order to safeguard and improve health outcomes for children and young people in the UK. The report, available from the link below, sets out 10 service standards for acute general paediatric services that the RCPCH believes are necessary to ensure that better quality and more efficient care is delivered. The standards, considered to be a minimum requirement for these services, are accompanied by a description of how each was composed and what they aim to achieve. A second report models the implications of these standards for paediatric services...

Headsmart Campaign Launches To Make Britain More Brain Tumour Aware, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children with almost ten a week being diagnosed. A dedicated campaign to increase public awareness of brain tumour symptoms in children and young people is being launched by a coalition of medical experts and brain tumour charities. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and the Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham have joined forces to create HeadSmart, which will support clinicians and parents in recognising the symptoms of a brain tumour... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Risk score to stratify children with suspected serious bacterial infection: observational cohort study

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential utility of a clinical score in risk stratifying children with suspected SBI. Further work should aim to validate the score and its impact on clinical decision making in different settings, and ideally incorporate it into a broader management algorithm including additional investigations to further stratify a child's risk. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Intercollegiate Statement On Children And Young People's Mental Health, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has joined with other organisations to call on the Government to recognise children's mental health services as a priority. A statement drawn up jointly by the RCPsych, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of General Practitioners and the Division of Clinical Psychology from the British Psychological Society, recognises the common concerns of health professionals who provide services for children and calls for five key actions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

RCPCH publishes service standard requirements for general paediatric services

NeLM - News — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Area: News The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published a new set of service standards - "Facing the Future: Standards for Paediatric Services". It is a set of minimum requirements for all general paediatric services. In the document the RCPCH specifies ten service standards, which are considered the standards of minimum requirement for all acute general paediatric services to achieve. Each standard is accompanied by an explanatory text that indicates in more detail what the standard is seeking to achieve, and how it will be implemented. Please see link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

[Correspondence] Membership exams overseas in light of new global code of practice

LANCET — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:43:17 +0100

We endorse the importance of the issues raised in the Correspondence from Kate Mandeville and Delan Devakumar (Aug 21, p 594), but reject their conclusion. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) collaborates with overseas colleagues in 20 centres, holding our clinical examination in six countries. All our work overseas is part of a joint initiative and can only succeed if shared by both agencies: the RCPCH and our partner organisation in the host country. (Source: LANCET)

Republished paper: Assuring validity of multisource feedback in a national programme

Postgraduate Medical Journal — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:21:23 +0100

Conclusions There is increasing evidence that multisource feedback (MSF) assesses two generic traits, clinical care and psychosocial skills. The validity of MSF is threatened by systematic bias, namely leniency bias and the seniority of assessors. Unregulated self-selection of assessors needs to end. (Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal)

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Newborn babies should not be given sugar as pain relief, says study

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:00:12 +0100

Research in The Lancet warns that existing medical practice does not work and may cause brain damageDoctors should stop giving newborn babies sugar to relieve the pain of minor medical procedures because it does not work and may damage their brains, new research in The Lancet warns today.The study says that small doses of oral sucrose do not reduce the pain which a baby feels when its heel is pricked to yield a blood sample or it has a drip put in to receive antibiotics.Its conclusions directly challenge existing medical practice. Infants are routinely given tiny amounts of sugar in hospitals, both in the UK and around the world, as a way of limiting the pain they feel when they undergo short but painful procedures. Sick babies who receive sustained treatment in the early weeks of their li...

Disease trajectories and ACT/RCPCH categories in paediatric palliative care.

Palliative Medicine — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to provide a preliminary description of trajectories of life-limiting conditions (LLCs) using qualitative experiential data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with families of children with LLCs, selected to encompass all Association for Children's Palliative Care (ACT)/Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) categories, using a schedule developed from focus groups of professionals. Thirty out of 76 families agreed to participate. Four of these were unsuitable. In nine out of 26 families, their child had died. In eight out of the 26, two individuals were interviewed. Twenty-four mothers, nine fathers, one sibling and two foster-carers were interviewed in total. The interview schedule was developed from data from four themed focus groups...

Referrals for MMR immunisation in hospital

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:50:56 +0100

Concern exists about measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in egg-allergic children, although this has been shown to be safe. Guidelines from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) suggesting which children should be referred to hospital for MMR, were published in 2000. We audited referrals to hospital for MMR against these guidelines. One hundred and ten children were referred for MMR to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital (2002–2004) and Alder Hey Children's Hospital (2006–2009). Eighty-two (75%) children did not meet the published criteria. Only 13 children (12%) had severe egg allergy. The first dose of MMR vaccine was delayed by >30 days in 81% of children. All children were given MMR, none ...

Children 'missing out on research benefits'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:52:06 +0100

In this week's Scrubbing Up, Professor Neena Modi, vice president for science and research, at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health argues that not putting children in to research is hampering treatment options. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

NICE issues clinical guideline (CG102) on the management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and young people younger than 16 years in primary and secondary care

NeLM - Guidelines — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: Evidence > Guidelines The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in association with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have published clinical guidelines on the management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and young people younger than 16 years in primary and secondary care. With respect to pre-hospital management of suspected meningococcal disease (meningitis with non-blanching rash or meningococcal septicaemia the following recommendations have been made: . Give parenteral antibiotics (intramuscular or intravenous benzylpenicillin) at the earliest opportunity, either in primary or secondary care, but do not delay ur...

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Obituary: David Harvey

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:41:39 +0100

He pioneered training in neonatal medicineDavid Harvey, who has died aged 73 of a chest infection, having suffered for many years from Parkinson's disease, was a leading figure in paediatrics and neonatal medicine, and, above all, an advocate for mothers and babies.From 1970 until 2002, he was consultant in neonatal medicine at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea hospital, in west London. He was appointed at a time of rapid medical advances, particularly in respiratory support, that were at last making the survival of sick and preterm newborn babies a reality. Before this, very few babies born more than eight weeks prematurely survived, and those who did were at great risk of neurological impairment. Pharmacological therapies were limited, as were technologies for newborn ventilation and intrave...

MMR row doctor Andrew Wakefield struck off register

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:25:00 +0100

Doctor at centre of MMR scare struck off medical register by General Medical Council for serious professional misconductAndrew Wakefield, the doctor at the centre of the MMR scare, has been struck off the medical register after being found guilty of serious professional misconduct.He was not at the General Medical Council (GMC) hearing to receive the verdict on his role in a public health debacle which saw vaccination of young children against measles, mumps and rubella plummet.The GMC said he acted in a way that was dishonest, misleading and irresponsible while carrying out research into a possible link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, bowel disease and autism.He had "abused his position of trust" and "brought the medical profession into disrepute" in studies he carri...

Assuring validity of multisource feedback in a national programme

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:49:42 +0100

[Comment] Offline: The Old School House

LANCET — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:47:37 +0100

Quite often in Britain, one will hear doctors, with some justification, complain about the Royal Colleges. What are they for? Aren't they simply about knighthoods, golden robes, silver plates, and good claret? Self-aggrandisement mixed with spectacular vanity. Perhaps some Colleges are like this (one College puts an oil painting of its president on the stage at its annual meeting for lucky delegates to admire). But not the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Its annual gathering has no robes, no painting, and very little (as far as I could see) claret. The College uses its conference as an opportunity to bring a thousand paediatricians together, from the youngest trainees to the most emeritus of professors. It is a research-driven event, which gives it edge and attraction. The s...

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Immunisation practices of paediatric oncology and shared care oncology consultants: A United Kingdom survey

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In March 2002, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) introduced guidelines for re-immunisation of children after completion of standard-dose chemotherapy and after haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).To ascertain whether these guidelines form standard unit policy by undertaking a survey of UK paediatric principal treatment centre (PTC) consultants and shared care (SC) consultants.In October 2008, a link to an on-line anonymised survey was sent by e-mail to all UK PTC consultants in Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) centres and to SC consultants linked to eight of these centres.Responses were received from 55 PTC consultants (representing all 21 CCLG centres) and 54 SC consultants. In accordance with the RCPCH guidelines, most PTC and SC consultants rec...

RCN Calls For An End To The Detention Of Immigrant Children, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has echoed concerns raised in an intercollegiate statement from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of General Practitioners and the Faculty of Public Health - Significant Harm - the effects of administrative detention on the health of children, young people and their families... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Folic acid in pregnancy linked to asthma

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:24:22 +0100

• Study showed no hazard from leafy vegetables• UK experts emphasise benefits of supplementsBabies born to women who have taken folic acid supplements during their pregnancy are up to 30% more likely than other children to develop asthma, researchers have found.Mothers-to-be who take folic acid when they are between 30 and 34 weeks pregnant as a health measure may inadvertently prompt the breathing condition in their offspring, a new study says.The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, claims that its findings may help explain the huge global rise over the last 50 years in asthma, especially among children, which has puzzled experts and led to speculation over the causes of the increase."We believe that this is the first published study in humans to demonstrate t...

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Saturday 26 - Monday 28 September

Royal College of Nursing News Alert — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Sick babies to get individual intensive care: Critically ill newborn babies will get constant one-to-one care from their own specialist nurse under a new government action plan. The final report of a government taskforce inquiry into neonatal care in England, expected to be published within weeks, will specify that all such newborns must always be looked after by their own nurse in order to maximise their chances of recovery. Staff shortages are so acute that only a third of newborns with major medical problems currently get one-to-one nursing care, even though the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Nursing say they all need it. The NHS is short of an estimated 1,700 neonatal nurses. Todays Guardian also reports that one in eight mothers with twins or ...

Pain in children

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:01 +0100

This online resource is based around the Royal College of Nursings (RCN) clinical guideline on the recognition and assessment of acute pain in children. Originally published in 2000, and now completely revised and updated in 2009, the guideline identifies reliable and valid tools for measuring pain intensity that are appropriate for neonates, preverbal infants and verbal children, and makes a series of key recommendations regarding timing and triggers for formal pain assessment. As well as the report itself, this resource provides high quality, tailored material to inspire and support implementation of the findings and recommendations in the guideline. The guideline has been formally endorsed by: the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists; the British Pain Society and the Royal College ...

Characteristics of deaths in paediatric intensive care: a 10-year study

Nursing in Critical Care — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: End-of-life care is an important facet of paediatric intensive nursing/medicine. Ten years on from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health publication 'Withholding or withdrawing life sustaining treatment in children: A framework for practice', this study found managed withdrawal of MWLSMT to be the most commonly practised mode of death in a tertiary PICU, and this was consistent over the study period. (Source: Nursing in Critical Care)

Health Information for Children workshop

NHS Networks — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:08:32 +0100

This half day workshop from the Patient Information Forum (PiF) looks at the challenges and solutions of producing health information for children and young people. The day includes perspectives from a children's hospital, voluntary organisations, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Expert Patient Programme. Sessions explore working with children and young people, using a range of different media to reach this audience and developing effective methods of communication. For more information and a booking form contact Alison Johnson at secretary@pifonline.org.uk or tel 07769 688739 (Source: NHS Networks)

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Royal Colleges Call On Health Managers To Take Responsibility For Safeguarding Children, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health commented on a new report from the Care Quality Commission, Safeguarding children: a review of arrangements in the NHS for safeguarding children. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

'Ban smoking in cars with children'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:59:17 +0100

Smoking in cars when children are present should be made illegal, says the new president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

UK-WHO Growth Charts: Early Years

Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:01 +0100

The UK-WHO growth charts for children from birth to 4 years of age have been developed by the Science and Research Department of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and funded by the Department of Health. The charts are available in A4 format and as 6 separate charts for insertion in the Personal Child Heatlh Record (PCHR). There is also a low birthweight A4 chart for births from 23 weeks gestation. The charts are based on World Health Organisation (WHO) Child Growth Standards and combine UK90 and WHO data. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences nursing gateway)

UK adopts new growth charts based on breast-fed babies

NHS Networks — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:20:05 +0100

All newborn babies and children up to four years old will have their growth measurements plotted on new charts from this week. The launch of the charts, which have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, based on the World Health Organisation's work, coincides with National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (10 - 16 May) and replaces current measures which are based predominately on babies fed with formula milk. Research shows that breast-fed babies tend to gain weight at a healthier pace and are less likely to become obese in later life. The new charts will play an important role in establishing breastfeeding as the norm and will be included in the Personal Child Health Records, which parents of every newborn are given. They will help p...

23,000 Under-18s In England Have Diabetes

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Almost 23,000 children and young people have diabetes in England, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). The snapshot survey, 'Growing up with Diabetes: children and young people with diabetes in 2009', was commissioned by the Department of Health and advised on by Diabetes UK. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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[Leading articles] Delivery of the paediatric curriculum of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Teaching Child Health In The Occupied Palestinian Territory

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Since 1999, the UK's Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has been working to establish a sustainable teaching programme in child health in the occupied Palestinian territory. The aim was and is to upgrade the knowledge and skills of doctors and nurses who work with children. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Age determination in refugee children.

Australian Family Physician — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSION: Age assessment is complex, as most of the physical and developmental parameters used for medical and legal purposes have been developed from research in particular climates, ethnicities and environments where there is good health and nutrition. X-rays or dental examination should not be necessary for all children of uncertain age. PMID: 19002301 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Australian Family Physician)

British Paediatric Surveillance Unit Data Confirms HIV Antenatal Screening Policies Are Reducing The Rate Of Mother To Child Transmission

HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0100

A surveillance study of HIV Infection in Childhood found that reported births to HIV infected women have increased substantially since 2000 but the proportion of infants who are themselves infected has declined. Data collected through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) part of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is central to monitoring paediatric HIV infection in the UK and Ireland. (Source: HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today)

RCOG Releases Standards In Maternity And Gynaecology, UK

Pregnancy News From Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) releases two important documents focusing on women's healthcare. The documents are: - Standards for Maternity Care. A report from a working party, jointly produced by the RCOG, and Royal College of Anaesthetists, Royal College of Midwives, and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. (Source: Pregnancy News From Medical News Today)

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conference: Carbon Reduction and Health

NHS Networks — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:47:54 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Faculty of Public Health and the British Medical Journal are teaming up for a one-day conference on Carbon Reduction and Health. The event will be held at the RCPCH headquarters in London on Monday 30 June 2008. With the recent publication of the NHS draft carbon reduction strategy, this is a timely and important conference which will be of value to managers in every Trust, since every Trust has a responsibility to reduce its carbon footprint. Topics covered include: how to make your trust carbon neutral carbon friendly conferencing the green office the public health imperative Speakers include: Dr Alan Maryon Davis, President of the Faculty of Public Health Dr David Pencheon, Director of the NHS Sustainable Devel...

Adolescent Health Project launches in June

NHS Networks — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:29:22 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have created a new project which aims to improve the health outcomes of the UK's young people, by providing e-learning materials to all health professionals. The initiative is funded by DH, supported by e-Learning for Healthcare and is free to all registered users. The curriculum for the Adolescent Health Project maps across the competences for all the relevant Royal Colleges. It consists of 14 modules covering 30 topics, ranging from health promotion and youth friendly services to self-harm and obesity. The resources include high resolution images and video clips capturing the voices and opinions of young people and health professionals. The e-learning sessions include case-based scenarios centred on the latest knowledge and curre...

Royal Colleges Publish Guidelines On Working With Children With Suspected Nonaccidental Injury

Radiology / Nuclear Medicine News From Medical News Today — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) have jointly published a document that sets out important guidance on investigating suspected non-accidental injury (NAI) in children. (Source: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine News From Medical News Today)

Increase in infection caused by pneumococcal serotype 1

NeLM Headline News — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

According to a report by BBC Health, infections caused by the pneumococcal serotype 1 appear to be on the increase. Although the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination has resulted in a large reduction in the number of infections in children, the vaccine does not cover the serotype 1 strain. Surveillance data presented at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health annual scientific conference suggest that serotype 1 pneumococcal may be coming in to "fill the gap". A consultant respiratory paediatrician predicts there are probably about 1,000 cases of this infection a year in the UK now compared with a handful in the early 1990s. However as the incidence of serotype 1 was increasing prior to introduction of the pneumococcal vaccination, it is too early to tell whether t...

conference: Carbon reduction and health: A guide to reducing the footprint of the health sector

NHS Networks — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:11:13 +0100

The BMJ, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Faculty of Public Health are hosting a joint meeting on 'Carbon reduction and health: A guide to reducing the footprint of the health sector'. The event will be held at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, 5-11 Theobald’s Road, London WC1X 8SH on Monday 30 June 2008. Heading for a Carbon Neutral NHS? Wanting to cut your hospital’s Carbon footprint? Tired of waste and pollution in the Health Service? Then this meeting is a must for you. Including: how to make your trust carbon neutral carbon friendly conferencing the green office the public health imperative For more information, see the attached flier/booking from or contact Mr Aaron Barham, Conference Organiser, Royal College of Paedi...

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Study finds many doctors lack training to prescribe children’s doses

NeLM Headline News — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

According to a report in the Guardian, research carried out by Newcastle University has found that doctors need more training in the types of medicine and doses appropriate for children. The research, supported by the School of Pharmacy at London University and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, involved questionnaires being sent to 319 centres in the UK. Only three centres said that they test doctors before allowing them to prescribe for children; junior doctors in many cases get no more than a 30-60 minute presentation on the issues involved. There is very rarely an assessment of understanding and skills, including the mathematical competence to calculate an age-appropriate dose. The lead investigator calls for the Department of Health to take action, requiring every d...

Safer childbirth : minimum standards for the organisation and delivery of care in labour

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:30:01 +0100

This document was published in October 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Royal College of Midwives (RCM), Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). It sets out the organisations' views regarding the essential minimum standards needed to support labouring women and to provide safe care for them and their babies. The report acknowledges the importance of midwives' autonomy in facilitating normal childbirth, in partnership with obstetricians, anaesthetists and paediatricians and stresses the need for effective team working. It aims to encourage a greater focus on woman-centred care and addresses the crisis in midwifery recruitment and retention. The report also recommends that the maternity network ...

Charity urges healthcare professionals to be on 'yellow alert' for childhood liver disease

NHS Networks — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:41:46 +0100

The Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the UK's only charity fighting to stamp out childhood liver diseases, is launching the Yellow Alert campaign during October to help community health professionals (CHPs) recognise and take action on the signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening neonatal liver disease. Yellow Alert aims to equip frontline healthcare professionals, including health visitors, midwives and GPs, with a greater understanding of the implications of prolonged jaundice in infants and a pathway of care to follow to enable earlier diagnosis and appropriate referral. The pioneering campaign has received the backing of the Royal College of General Practitioners, the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; the Royal College of P...

Recommendations for safe organisation of care during labour and birth

NHS Networks — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:35:03 +0100

New recommendations on standards for the safe organisation of care during childbirth have been issued by the Royal Colleges of Anaesthetists (RCOA), Midwives (RCM), Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). The joint document, Safer Childbirth: Minimum Standards for the Organisation and Delivery of Care in Labour, provides clear and concise information about the roles and essential minimum staffing levels required to support and deliver safe care to women in labour and their babies. Underpinning the guideline is the need for good working relationships between a multi-disciplinary maternity team of midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists, paediatricians, as well as support and managerial staff. Also of paramount importance is the expansion in number...

[Reviews] Transition of care from paediatric to adult services in haematology

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The need for adequate preparation for transition for young people with health care needs who require long term follow-up in the adult sector has long been recognised and is a required part of the national service framework for children. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Nursing have endorsed this need for improvement in services for adolescents. In 2006 the Department of Health launched guidelines with a wealth of recommendations. Despite these initiatives only slow progress has been made (usually by enthusiasts) and much work is needed to develop good programmes in many specialties, including non-malignant haematology. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

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New Report On Child Growth Standards Welcomed Department Of Health To Set Up Pilot Study, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:00:00 +0100

A new report published recommending the adoption of World Health Organisation (WHO) Child Growth Standards in the UK, has been welcomed by the Department of Health. The joint report, by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), says WHO Growth Standards should be applied to children aged from 2 weeks to 24 months. [click link for full article] (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Children's nursing workforce survey

Royal College of Nursing - UK Wide - News — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:13:09 +0100

The RCN, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the Council of Deans are jointly undertaking a web-based survey of the children's nursing workforce to establish an overall natio... (Source: Royal College of Nursing - UK Wide - News)

Obesity Is Primarily A Public Health Problem, Not A Child Protection Issue

Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) continues to be concerned about the high numbers of children who are obese or overweight. Children, young people and parents need to be helped to understand the benefits of healthy eating, living an active life and not becoming overweight. Prevention is everyone's business. Obesity is primarily a public health problem, not a child protection issue. [click link for full article] (Source: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today)

What are the diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome?

NLH Question Answering Service — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:45:40 +0100

In 2004 the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health produced a guideline on the management of CFS in young people [1]. Page 32 of the guideline highlights the diagnostic criteria. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

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Royal College Of Paediatrics And Child Health Supports Breastfeeding Manifesto

Nutrition/Agriculture News From Medical News Today — Mon, 28 May 2007 19:00:00 +0100

The Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition has launched a Manifesto at the House of Commons today calling for more support to raise the low levels of breastfeeding in the UK. Dr Patricia Hamilton, RCPCH President said: "The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health strongly encourages breastfeeding as there are clear, proven health benefits to both the baby and mother. [click link for full article] (Source: Nutrition/Agriculture News From Medical News Today)

Royal College Of Paediatrics And Child Health Response To NICE Guidance On Children With Fever

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Mon, 28 May 2007 19:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is pleased that the first of the guidelines developed by the Womens and Children's National Collaborating Centre (NCC) has come to fruition. We are delighted that children and young people's needs are being met in their own right. This guideline addresses a common clinical problem, which causes a lot of anxiety for parents, families, nurses and doctors. [click link for full article] (Source: Pediatrics News From Medical News Today)

[Clinical ethics] Characteristics of deaths occurring in hospitalised children: changing trends

Journal of Medical Ethics — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A greater proportion of hospitalised children are dying in an ICU environment. Our experience indicates that professional ethical guidance by itself may be inadequate in reversing the trends observed in this study. (Source: Journal of Medical Ethics)

United Kingdom General Medical Council Fails Child Protection

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

To protect children, pediatricians must be willing to raise the possibility of abuse and not be intimidated by the consequences. We consider that the United Kingdom General Medical Council does not understand child protection matters and has no system for dealing adequately with complaints submitted by parents who claim false allegations of abuse. The actions of the General Medical Council in the recent cases of Drs Roy Meadow and David Southall conflict with current child protection laws and guidance for professionals. By deterring doctors from raising concerns about a child's safety and giving opinions on child deaths, the General Medical Council may be increasing the risk of serious child abuse. Although the rate of registrations by child protection authorities decreased by 28% between ...

Responses to the White Paper 'Trust, Assurance and Safety'

NHS Networks — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:34:12 +0100

Below are some of the responses to yesterday's White Paper, 'Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals'. Links to additional responses can be submitted to the Website Editor and will be added as they become available. British Medical Association Synopsis and analysis of the White Paper by the BMA's Health Policy, Economics and Research Unit Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (Word, 48KB) General Medical Council Health Professions Council King's Fund NHS Employers Royal College of Anaesthetists Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Royal College of Ophthalmologists Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (PDF, 22KB) Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Surgeons of Englan...

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Professor Craft elected President of Royal College

Faculty of Medicine at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:05:03 +0100

Professor Alan Craft, Head of the Department of Child Health has been elected as the next president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. (Source: Faculty of Medicine at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne)

Royal College publishes 'A guide to understanding pathways...

Social Care Newsfeed — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 14:25:02 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)... (Source: Social Care Newsfeed)

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health publishes 'A guide to understanding pathways and implementing networks'

NeLM Headline News — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published 'A guide to understanding pathways and implementing networks', which is available to download at the link above. The report calls for health services for children and young people to be delivered within networks of care, and contains useful information and advice applicable to all forms of health and social care networks. (Source: NeLM Headline News)

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Royal College publishes 'A guide to understanding pathways and implementing networks'

NHS Networks — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:30:04 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has released a report calling for health services for children and young people to be delivered within networks of care. The report, 'A guide to understanding pathways and implementing networks', is available to download and contains useful information and advice applicable to all forms of health and social care networks, not just paediatric and child health ones. The RCPCH says: "Networks can provide a structure for services to develop seamless care that cuts across existing organisational boundaries. Networks allow key stakeholders to work together to plan, deliver and improve services." Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) A guide to understanding pathways and implementing networks (PDF, 207KB) (Sour...

Update due on abuse detection practice

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 08:50:43 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP) and the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine, is currently leading a project to update the 1997 publication Physical Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children. (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Network approach to improve children’s health services recommended

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 06:00:49 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has released a report calling for health services for children and young people to be delivered within networks of care. (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Reduced growth in the number of UK paediatricians

OnMedica Latest News — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 07:17:33 +0100

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 2005 Workforce Census has found that there was a 2.7% increase in the number of career grade paediatricians working in the UK between 2003 and 2005, compared to a 7.2% increase between 2001 and 2003. (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Scheme for named, designated health professionals working with children

NHS Networks — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:41:02 +0100

The Children Act, 2004 requires NHS organisations to establish local partnerships to safeguard children. Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP), on behalf of the Department of Health (DH), and in partnership with Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of GPs, Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Midwives has developed a secure dedicated discussion forum for named and designated clinicians working to safeguard children and to support local interagency arrangements. The system will allow posting of information, sharing of good practice and discussion of complex cases. Membership is for named and designated clinicians only whose bona fides must be confirmed by Chief Executives of employing NHS organisations. Invitations to join will be ...

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Perioperative fluid therapy in children: a survey of current prescribing practice

British Journal of Anaesthesia — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. The prescription of hypotonic dextrose saline solutions by anaesthetists may be putting children at risk from iatrogenic hyponatraemia. Departmental protocols for perioperative fluid prescription in children are uncommon. We suggest that national guidance is required. (Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia)

NHS should keep safeguarding responsibility

Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Designated safeguarding professionals should be part of commissioning consortia if the NHS in England is reformed, according to the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. (Source: Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News)