Plans to reform palliative care have earned the backing of health organisations, which claim children with long-term conditions could benefit from better standards and improved support.
Children & Young People Now reports that in response to health secretary Andrew Lansley's recent funding review, ACT and Children's Hospices UK said in a joint statement that calls to integrate health and social care should be heeded.
"This is particularly important for parents of life-limited and life-threatened children, who have to spend precious time routinely dealing with as many as 40 uncoordinated health and social care professionals at any one time," they observed.
ACT chief executive Lizzie Chambers said the study has "real potential" to make a real difference for both patients and their families. However, Children's Hospices UK head Barbara Gelb insisted thorough consultation remains crucial.
National Council for Palliative Care director Simon Chapman added that it is "vital" the government takes action on the recommendations laid out in the document.
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Private treatment news: 7 July 2011
