England falling behind other European countries in the race to improve children’s health Health Foundation response to The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report

Commenting on findings put out by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tim Elwell-Sutton, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, at the Health Foundation, said:

‘Some of the biggest drivers of health outcomes and life expectancy are poverty, access to education and good work.  In the UK, we are seeing stalling life expectancy and faltering health outcomes for children as compared to other wealthy countries and the findings released today by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health further outline a worrying picture for the future.

‘Spending on local government services that support children’s health has been consistently cut back in recent years, with the public health grant that pays for local health visitors and school nurses stripped back alongside wider cuts to local government services.  NHS England has a crucial role to play but cannot deliver better child health outcomes by itself.  The major factors influencing our children’s future health are social determinants, including the living and working conditions of their parents, and support for local government is therefore essential.

‘With the full impact of changes to welfare policies yet to be felt, there is a risk that children’s health outcomes will continue to lag behind other similar countries unless the government takes concerted action to invest in public services in a way that ensures every child has the best possible start in life.'

Media contact

Susannah McIntyre
External Affairs Manager (Media)
susannah.mcintyre@health.org.uk
020 7664 4658