Delays in NHS care are risking the creation of a “forgotten generation of young people” according to Sir Julian Hartley, as data indicates that the vast majority (82%) of trust leaders do not believe their organisation can meet the current demand for children and young people’s services.
In a survey of health chiefs in England conducted by NHS Providers, nearly every (97%) respondent reported that demand for has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The pandemic-induced demand was only the third most popular reason (30%) as to why overall need is not being met, however, with increased acuity and complexity of patients (58%) and insufficient service commissioning (39%) being the top two.
NHS Providers is now calling on the new government to develop and deliver a cross-departmental strategy for children and young people. This was the second most popular choice (40%) when trust leaders were asked what actions could be taken improve services for children and young people.
The most popular choice (44%) was increasing investment in prevention and early intervention, while the third most popular (39%) was increasing investment in targeted early years support across a range of services. This comes as nine in 10 (90%) think that children and young people’s health is not enough of a national priority.
NHS Providers is also calling for NHS England (NHSE) to review the children and young people’s services facing the most issues meeting demand (autism, ADHD etc.), with a view to outlining a national strategy to boost access, experiences and outcomes.
One strategy director at a combined acute and community trust, for example, said that there has been a 300% increase in children and young people waiting for neurodevelopment assessments from September 2019 to September 2024. This would also build on already existing work such as the newly established ADHD taskforce.
NHSE should undertake a full review of transitions between paediatric and adult services to understand where the current gaps are as well.
“We’re in danger of seeing a forgotten generation of young people,” said Sir Julian Hartley, CEO at NHS Providers. “Too many young lives are being blighted by delays to accessing vital NHS care.”
The three other recommendations from NHS Providers include:
- NHSE and government requiring integrated care systems (ICSs) to prioritise children and young people, as well as protect local capital and revenue funding;
- government increasing the public health grant; and
- government to commit to fully funding and delivering the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, and updating the plan at next summer’s review so prevention and early intervention has a stronger focus.
Hartley added: “Long waits for services have far-reaching implications for a child’s social development, school readiness and educational attainment. Preventing ill health among children and young people is central to ensuring the next generation are able to live well, thrive and contribute to society and the economy.
“Our survey shows NHS leaders are committed to providing safe and timely care for children and young people but they need the right support.
“That means a cast-iron commitment from the new government and NHS England that the physical and mental health of children and young people will be a priority, with the right amount and mix of NHS staff to give them the care they need.
“Trusts are ready to play their part in making things better for children and young people. It will require concerted, joined-up working between trusts, government, NHS England and local partners including councils, schools and the voluntary sector.”
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