The Government decided to cut mortality rates and stated that the quality of care for children is “unacceptable”.
The Government has pledged to reduce the number of child deaths in Britain after mortality rates for under 14s slipped to amongst the worst in Europe.
According to the Department of Health (DoH) more than a quarter of children’s deaths in the UK are linked as “identifiable failures” in care.
The Government introduced new measurements that include data so the NHS and local authorities can get hold of better information to improve the health of young people.
The Department of Health will also implement a pilot survey to generate details of local health problems such as drug and alcohol use.
New colour coded health maps also mean doctors and nurses will be able to look at local health trends for conditions like asthma and diabetes.
Government promises to identify and reduce health issues on young people.
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter declared: “For too long, Britain’s childhood mortality rates have been amongst the worst in Europe when compared to similar countries.”
“In particular, there is unacceptable variation across the country in the quality of care for children – for example in the treatment of long-term conditions such as asthma and diabetes.”
“I am determined that children and young people should be put at the heart of the new health and social care system.”
“Too often in the past children’s health has been an afterthought.”
The pledge commits signatories to put children, young people and families at the heart of decision-making and could include asking them to carry out actions such as investigating why there are lower survival rates for children with certain conditions in different areas and taking action to make improvements.
Dr Hilary Emery, chief executive of the charity, the National Children’s Bureau, said: “As these plans are implemented it is vital that children and young people are listened to within all aspects of the health system … “
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