Current Activities
Manifesto for the Scottish Government, Members of the Scottish Parliament and those responsible for the formulation of healthcare policy.
ASC(S) marked the start of a year long campaign to raise awareness of the healthcare needs, rights and responsibilities of sick children, young people and their families on 2 December 2009 at a Reception at the Scottish Parliament hosted by Christine Grahame MSP. At the event ASC(S) also launched its manifesto which calls for changes and improvements in areas relating to child healthcare provision. Click link to read the manifesto.The campaign will conclude on 14 September 2010 with a Conference in the Royal Concert Hall Glasgow. (further information will be available nearer the time)
Family Facilities Survey
Since 1985 we have regularly surveyed the hospitals in Scotland which admit children to establish the facilities available and the progress made in terms of accommodating the needs of sick children, young people and their families. Our latest Family Facilities Survey 2005-07 was published in 2008 and was funded by the Scottish Executive. The surveys have a dual purpose. They enable us to monitor and report on developments and improvements in the care of sick children and help us to identify areas of concern and we raise these with those who influence change. The surveys also inform parents of provision within their local area.
Specialist Children’s Services Review and the National Delivery Plan
We participated as members of the Steering group for the above review which amongst other reports and recommendations specifically recommended the raising of the age at which young person had to transfer to adult services to 16. Action for Sick Children (Scotland) participated in focus groups and in addition compiled a response to the Scottish Government consultation in May 2008 and we await the final outcome of the guidance later this year.
Patient Held Child Health Record - Red Book –
We formed part of the national steering group for the development of a new national template for a patient held child health record. At present all health boards have their own individualised Red Book and it is felt that a standardised national format would be of benefit both to families and healthcare professionals alike.
Caring for a Sick Child Tayside Survey
In 2007 ASC(S) conducted a survey examining the impact on families of caring for a sick child in Tayside. The findings and recommendations arising from this survey were passed on to relevant agencies in Tayside. The Caring for a Sick Child Report can be downloaded and further information about the project accessed in our Previous Projects section.
Dental Surgical Services for Children in Scotland Survey
In 2007 ASC(S) reviewed and reported on the play preparation and child-friendly support available for children and their families requiring surgical dental treatment. The report Dental Surgical Services for Children in Scotland encourages NHS dental services in Scotland to adopt standards of care for the provision of appropriate preparation of children for dental surgical treatment. For more information click on Previous Projects.
Influencing Service Provision for sick children, young people and families
We work with health professionals on the following groups and committees to improve standards of care for sick children and young people.
Lothian NHS: the Royal Hospital for Sick Children Edinburgh Children and Families Advisory Board project groups 5 Reprovision Group
Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS: the Royal Hospital for Sick Children Glasgow (Yorkhill) FILES (Family Information Leaflet Editorial Service) Group; Family Council; New Sick Children’s Hospital: the Clinical Planning Group and the Stakeholder Reference Group; Community Engagement – Family and Youth Panels: Rights of the Child Group: Emergency Care Framework for Children and Young People Group Surgical Short Stay Group: Scottish Ambulance Service – Continued Improvement Group: Patient Focus, Public Involvement Steering Group.
Forth Valley NHS - Child Health Forum; Maternity Services Liaison Committee; New Hospital Build Subgroup
NHS Lanarkshire - Child Health Group; Children and Young People's Mental Health Group; Integrated Children's Services Group;Paediatric Surgical Sub Group, South Lanarkshire Public Participation Forum,
NHS Tayside - Ninewells Hospital Leaflet Group; Community Maternity Unit (CMU) Planning Group; CMU Development Group; Zone 2 Meetings Health Visitors Group; Senior Paediatric Nurses Group; Tayside Community Health Partnership – Engagement & Involvement of Young People Subgroup
Scottish Ambulance Service Involving People Group and Continued Improvement Group
Scottish Colleges Committee for Children’s Surgical Services
Scottish Complex Health Needs Group
Scottish Healthy Care Network
Scottish Patient/Carers’ Advisory Group (RCPCH)
Patient Participation
ASC(S) supports patients who wish to influence the design and development of healthcare services and polices that will affect them. Service providers need to take account of the views of service users. ASC(S) has assisted a young person with complex health needs to get involved in the current Youth Panel for the new Sick Children’s Hospital in Glasgow. We also support a parent of a young person with severe asthma to be a lay representative on the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Young People’s Service Development Group: QIS Asthma Guideline Implementation Group.
Becoming Involved
For more information about how to have a say in the shaping of child health services see How we help families
