Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)

“The growing emphasis on online and digital spaces has made childhood an even more challenging period for parents to navigate....guidance is a much welcome resource to help parents protect those short, but developmentally crucial early years." Our VP for Policy Dr Mike McKean in The Times today 👇

Following the outbreak of meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) in Kent, we've published a briefing page with information made available by the UK Health Security Agency. We'll keep this up to date in line with the latest government information. www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/ou...

Scotland’s paediatricians know better than anyone that children cannot wait. RCPCH Scotland members please add your name to our letter to show candidates that child health must be a priority in the next Parliament! rcpch.eaction.org.uk/ScotlandsChi... #PrescriptionForChange

We’re seeking an Independent Chair of our Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership and strong governance as we deliver our 2024–27 strategy and oversee our vision for paediatrics and child health. Find out more: jobs.theguardian.com/job/10039575...

RCPCH Officer Dr Helen Stewart in The Times today sharing her experiences of treating measles outbreaks across the country - and stressing the urgent need to reverse the decline in childhood vaccination rates. 👇

Yesterday the Health and Social Care Committee presented its report on the First 1000 Days to Parliament. Thanks to Paulette Hamilton MP and the Committee for taking up our calls to Government for our child health workforce strategy 👇

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...

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 ⬇️ 1/2

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/...

🔥 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. 👇

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...

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/...

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

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

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...

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/...

Next week, join the RCPCH/NIHR SafetyNet webinar on responding to challenges in paediatric patient safety, and plans for co-designed research and improvement priority setting 📆17 Sept 1-2pm Sign up: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

AI, data and digital innovation are transforming paediatrics. At #DigitalPaediatrics2025, you’ll hear first-hand how technology is shaping safer, smarter healthcare for children. 📍Millennium Point, Birmingham - or join online. 👉 Register now: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

“Paediatricians are very clear that children or teenagers do not need energy drinks.” RCPCH welcomes plans to ban energy drink sales to under-16s, with RCPCH President Professor Steve Turner calling it a sensible step to improve children’s diets and health. 👇 www.itv.com/news/2025-09...

Each year, RCPCH Global Operations team welcomes paediatric clinicians from low & middle-income countries as part of Visiting Fellowship Scheme. Read about moments that inspired some of this year’s fellows & lesson they’ll carry forward into their careers: www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...

We support NHS England’s ambition to improve conditions for resident doctors through its new 10-point plan. It’s a vital first step, but meaningful progress will only come through consistent delivery and monitoring. Read more here: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

Digital Paediatrics 2025 will be held on 5 November. Attend in Birmingham or online to hear from Microsoft UK’s Umang Patel, SickKids’ Devin Singh, Google, NHS transformation and the Guy’s AI team. Secure your place today: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

Calling all RCPCH members.   We’ve got two exciting Trustee roles open and we’re looking for passionate, strategic thinkers to help lead the College through our 2024–27 strategy.   Apply by 10 October, 12:00   www.rcpch.ac.uk/get-involved...

Our Climate Change Officer spoke to the BBC about the serious health risks hot homes pose to children. We continue to urge the Government and the housing sector to address the urgent need for safer housing conditions. Read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Our Officer for Health Services, Dr Ronny Cheung, spoke on Good Morning Britain about the Govt’s new voluntary guidelines to cut the eye-wateringly high sugar & salt in baby food. A welcome step - but not enough. We need mandatory limits to truly protect children’s health. #EarlyYearsNutrition

81% of parents in England with young children say physical punishment is unacceptable. We continue to urge the Government to listen to families, professionals and the public and finally #EndPhysicalPunishment Read our response to @nspcc.bsky.social latest data: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...

From all of us at the College, wishing a very happy 75th birthday to our patron, HRH the Princess Royal.

A new episode of The Paeds Round is out now. Professor Sir Andrew Pollard joins Dr Emma Lim and Dr Christo Tsilifis to explore how preventing infectious diseases could transform child health and the NHS. Listen now: learning.rcpch.ac.uk/home/podcast...

Our Officer for Health Improvement, Dr Helen Stewart, spoke to @bigissue.com about the rise of measles and our new report with @cpaguk.bsky.social which revealed how poverty is driving missed appointments and worsening child health. Read more here: www.bigissue.com/news/social-...

To mark #WorldPatientSafetyDay 2025, we've joined forces with @nihrpsrcs.bsky.social to host a webinar exploring challenges in paediatric safety and how we respond to them. Wed, 17 Sept at 1–2pm Sign up: www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/...