Strike support on PAU #JuniorDoctorsStrike

Thank you @JohnLewisRetail for your commitment and support for young people in our care system. And thank you once again for your generosity with the care leavers christmas collection. #changeiscoming Children in care are still children.

On Monday parliamentarians debated Government plans to use biological methods in assessing the age of children seeking asylum. These methods are inaccurate and unethical. Thank you to @jon_trickett and other MPs for raising our concerns: ow.ly/ul1r50QaoKE

This is new data from NHS England published this week. It confirms that the crisis in young people’s mental health is deepening – and has become a mental health emergency. For the past decade we have repeatedly called out the Government for not taking enough action. Year after the year these statistics get worse, yet no radical change happens. They have lost their grip on this emergency and are failing young people as a result. We can’t continue to let this escalate. The Government must tackle the reasons why so many young people are struggling with their mental health. Right now, they can make a difference by making sure every community has an early support hub so that young people can get help as soon as they need it. On top of that, we need a plan that is ambitious enough to end the mental health emergency – a plan with a focus on preventing poor mental health, as well as investing in and improving services.

WHO statement on reported clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China WHO has made an official request to #China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children. At a press conference on 13 November 2023, Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China. Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients. On 21 November, media and ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or separate events. On 22 November, WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism. We have also requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on health care systems. WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China. Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years. China has systems in place to capture information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. While WHO seeks this additional information, we recommend that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing. WHO will continue to provide updates.

See our joint statement with @IssopOrg on the Gaza-Israel conflict, and how we must protect the rights of children in all circumstances. tinyurl.com/ICHGIsraelgaza @Drhelbro @RCPCHtweets

To find out how health workers are coming together to advocate for children and young people seeking asylum join our free webinar this Wed 21 June 1900-2030. Register here docs.google.com/forms/d/1SwB…

41% of people forced to flee their homes because of war and persecution are children. Put your #CompassionIntoAction this #RefugeeWeek to advocate for the rights of children seeking asylum in the UK. #RefugeesWelcome #endNHScharging #StopTheIllegalMigrationBill #SafePassage

'I hate Mondays! – Why children and young people don’t go to #School, and how to support them' Understand effective assessment approaches to non-attendance & consider children & young people’s rights and views. Book from £30! bit.ly/3Yykpxh #SchoolAvoidance #EdPsych

🚨The College's Paediatric Emergency Medicine Professional Advisory Group has published new guidance: 'Management of Adolescent young adult patients in Emergency Departments' Read it here: bit.ly/3LrTGOG

Swallowing pills is an important life skill for children to learn. They’re less sickly than suspensions, have less sugar and more common in pharmacies. Take our short e-learning course. bit.ly/RCPCH-pill-swallow

We are alarmed by the UK Government's Illegal Migration Bill and what it will mean for children and young people seeking asylum. Read our response from our Officer for Child Protection @DrAndrewRowland: rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news…

Using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children Just released updates on antibiotics relevant to #GroupAStrep Useful for clinician and pharmacists dealing with supply issues. sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-so… @RCPCHtweets @rcgp

UASCs must be amongst the superhumans of the human race. Truely magnificent individuals. #UASC

Great work from Taunton Paeds team for Crafty Friyay.

Hanging out with the neonatologist

Excellent new information booklet by @UKPoTS on postural tachycardia syndrome #POTS that may be useful for people living with #LongCOVID potsuk.org/wp-content/upload…

Graphic design has rules, and they work … 👀

Delighted to announce the Functional Neurological Disorder: NHS South West Regional Network Conference. March 22nd 2022. This is a joint initiative between @fndfriends @DPT_NHS @RDEhospitals & @NorthBristolNHS. All NHS professionals welcome. Please DM me your email for more info.