RCN welcomes focus on children and young people’s services

Published: 16 September 2010

Responding to Professor Sir Ian Kennedy’s review of children and young people’s services in the NHS, Getting it right for children for children and young people – Overcoming cultural barriers in the NHS, Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“Professor Sir Ian Kennedy has highlighted yet again that provision for children and young people remains a Cinderella service within the NHS. His findings raise serious issues that are a major cause for concern and we welcome the Government’s focus on prioritising the needs of children and young people.

“In particular, it is pleasing to see Sir Ian highlighting the need for greater joined up thinking, planning and provision. It is also vital for the workforce to have the right knowledge and skills mix.

“Children and young people must be at the heart of health service provision. A system that repeatedly fails vulnerable children cannot be allowed to continue.
 
“We look forward to working closely with the Government and other key stakeholders to address the issues raised in Sir Ian’s report.”

Ends

Notes to editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php

2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.