31/08/06 - Improvement review into services for children in hospital

The Healthcare Commission has published the results of its review of services for children in 157 hospitals in England. The review looked at the treatment of children in child specific and child friendly environments, the provision of sufficient number of staff trained in the care of children and the organisation of services. 25% of trusts assessed received a rating of excellent or good. The majority (70%) of trusts reviewed were rated as fair. Although services in these hospitals are largely satisfactory, the Commission says a number of improvements are necessary. 5% of trusts had a weak rating. The Commission says there are a significant number of key elements from the National Service Framework that these trusts are not yet meeting. A national report, outlining findings from the children services improvement review, will be published later in the year. (Healthcare Commission - press release) (BBC news item)