Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)

RCPCH Officer Professor Andrew Rowland appeared on BBC Breakfast yesterday to discuss the thousands of children currently waiting for NHS community care.

You can read more on the story on BBC News: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Today - 22/01/2026 - BBC Sounds News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.

Listen to the full interview here (from 49min): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

And read our full response to the report here: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

Today the Health and Social Care Committee published its report on "The First 1,000 Days: a renewed focus"

RCPCH's Dr Helen Stewart spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme about the report's recommendations, particularly the vital role health visitors play in improving childhood vaccination uptake.

Last week we hosted a workshop in Northern Ireland for members to discuss workforce issues unique to the region.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the positive discussions with lots of takeaways for future advocacy work.

Our 2026 St David’s Day Conference takes place on 26 February at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff!

Join expert sessions, take advantage of new networking opportunities and explore what’s new in child health across Wales.

Register now: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

RCPCH Scotland responds to the Scottish Budget 2026–27.

There are welcome steps, such as the rise in the Scottish Child Payment, but this budget still falls short of the transformative change children and young people need.

Read our response: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

Today is a big moment for child health as the Less Healthy Advertising Regulations come into force across TV and online media - a long-standing priority for the Obesity Health Alliance.

Our Executive Director Katharine Jenner responds ⬇️

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Children from struggling families to be offered jabs at home The scheme is being tested in some areas of England as part of a government plan to prioritise children's health.

We welcome the news that a new pilot will see health visitors support families to access vaccinations.

With the roll out of the chickenpox vaccine, these are important steps to ensure all children are protected from preventable diseases.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

We welcome the UK Government's Child Poverty Strategy with measures to lift thousands of children out of poverty.

But to raise healthiest generation of children ever it will need to go further - to ensure no child grows up in poverty.

Our response: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

The two child limit has been scrapped! We’re delighted to see the Chancellor remove this policy which has kept thousands of children in poverty – harming their health and wellbeing.

Read our full response to the Autumn Budget: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

Soft drink levy extended to protect children and improve health The government has announced an extension of the soft drinks industry levy to more high-sugar drinks, including milk-based drinks.

🔥 Hot Off the Press - Soft Drinks Industry Levy to be Expanded to Protect Children and Boost Nation’s Health 🔥

The levy will now cover sugary milk-based drinks and lowers the sugar threshold from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml.

Read the press release here ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/n...

With a rise in flu cases among children this winter, we’ve updated our guidance for hospitals managing children with viral respiratory infections.

It outlines best practice for infection preventions and protecting vulnerable children.

Read the guidance: www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/gu...

Paediatricians have repeatedly raised alarm about the impact of rising rates of child poverty on children’s health.

If the government is serious about raising the healthiest generation it must tackle child poverty - starting by ending the two-child limit. 👇

Paediatricians are seeing high rates of flu among children this winter.

Flu can cause serious illness and lead to hospitalisation, even in otherwise healthy children.

We are urging parents to get their child vaccinated – share our new factsheet to support families 👇 www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...

“Doing nothing is not an option. More children will come to hospital for urgent care and we will continue putting sticking plasters on sticking plasters.”

Our President Prof Steve Turner in the The Times today speaking about our calls for the upcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan. 👇

10 Year workforce plan. RCPCH response to the DHSC Call for Evidence

Today we submitted our response to the 10-Year Workforce Plan call for evidence.

With rising demand and a stretched workforce, this is a vital opportunity to invest in the paediatric workforce and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Read our submission: www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/10...

The November RCPCH Safety eBulletin is coming soon!

This edition features learning from Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) programme — and how we can make transfusions safer for children.

Members: check your email settings to stay in the loop!

🔗 safety.rcpch.ac.uk/safety-ebull...

NHS suggests coeliac children use food banks as doctors blast ‘cruel’ cuts Clinicians warn of ‘shocking levels of ignorance’ over ‘cruel and risky’ decision to cut gluten-free prescriptions

Our Officer for Health Improvement, Dr Helen Stewart, highlights how cutting gluten-free prescriptions for children with coeliac disease exposes deeper issues of rising child poverty, with some families unable to afford a healthy, balanced diet. #ShiftTheDial

👇 www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...

Facing the Future - standards for children and young people in emergency care settings These standards outline how to deliver safe, high quality and integrated care for children and young people in Paediatric Emergency Departments in the UK. The 5th edition of the standards was publishe...

You can read more about the intercollegiate standards here: www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fa...

NHS slammed for treating children who need A&E care as ‘second-rate citizens’ Many emergency departments lack the infrastructure to meet the growing needs of child patients, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said

“Children are being treated as second-rate citizens in the eyes of NHS funding.”

RCPCH President Prof Steve Turner highlights how our joint Emergency Care Standards aim to reshape urgent care for children making safe, timely care a reality for every child.

👇
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...

Rachel Reeves to lift two-child benefit cap in November budget Exclusive: Officials exploring options to change rule that affected 1.7 million children in Great Britain last year

We welcome plans to scrap the ineffective and unjust two child limit. To truly achieve the Government’s goal of creating the healthiest generation of children ever, the two child limit must be scrapped entirely.

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

RCPCH President Professor Steve Turner on our joint panel today with @barnardos.org.uk and @thekingsfund.bsky.social on how to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. #Lab25

Every breath counts: Action on air quality (RCP and RCPCH) panel

Every breath counts: Action on air quality (RCP and RCPCH) panel

Every breath counts: Action on air quality (RCP and RCPCH) panel

Every breath counts: Action on air quality (RCP and RCPCH) panel

Today we hosted a joint session at #Lab25 with @rcpch.bsky.social, about addressing #airquality.

Our panel discussed the negative impacts of #airquality across our life course, the need for stronger regulation and a UK-wide public health campaign about the health impacts of air pollution.

Our VP for Policy Dr Mike McKean speaking this morning about the impacts of air pollution on children’s health on our joint panel “Every breath counts: Action on air quality” with
@rcphysicians.bsky.social at #Lab25

Every breath counts: Action on air quality Join our panel session as we consider how national and local government can take action on air quality and improve the health of the public.

Tomorrow, with @rcpch.bsky.social, we’re hosting a joint session ‘Every Breath Counts – Action on Air Quality’ where our panel will consider how national and local government can tackle poor #airquality.

👉Learn more and join the discussion: ow.ly/zX5950X3xwS

This week we wrote to the Times to reaffirm the calls from child health and child protection professionals to end physical punishment. The evidence is clear.

We continue to urge the government to remove the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence and protect every child from harm.

The #ChildHealthWorkforceAlliance brings 25 leading health-focused organisations together to help build a workforce for the healthiest generation of children ever.

Find out how government can make child health a priority in its NHS workforce plan: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

United to improve paediatric patient safety, RCPCH and NIHR SafetyNet held a great webinar exploring the WHO priorities with nearly 200 people.

We invite you to participate in the partnership, watch the recording and express interest here: www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/pa...

Graphic announcing Dr Alice Willson as one of the Clean Air Fund's 2025 Urban Clean Air Champions

In Manchester, Dr Alice Willson is helping protect children from dirty air. As a @rcpch.bsky.social Clinical Fellow, she’s created tools to educate families & policymakers on #AirPollution, shaping national conversations on clean air & kids’ health. Learn more: bit.ly/46ltRKj

Last chance to register for our webinar on Wednesday 17 September, 1–2pm, marking WHO’s World Patient Safety Day 2025.

Join Dr Peter Lachman and Dr Cally Feather as we launch a new partnership between NIHR SafetyNet and RCPCH: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...