Labour’s child health action plan: a multifaceted positive health approach is needed

• Published in: BMJ (Online) Vol. 384; p. q376
• Main Authors: Watson, Michael Craig, Neil, Karen E, Tilford, Sylvia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 13.02.2024; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Children & youth; Childrens health; Letters; Mental health; Nursing; Public health; United Kingdom > UK
• ISSN: 1756-1833; 1756-1833
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q376

mcwatson100@gmail.com We welcome the launch of the Labour Party’s child health action plan as it covers important areas of public health that we have highlighted in recent years.123456 Before being able to judge if it will be a success, however, far more detail is needed, including how individual elements will fit into a coherent public health strategy, resourcing, timescales, and evaluation. The unique and important role of health visitors is stressed in the plan and there is a firm commitment to grow the workforce.2 Another group of nurses who have the potential to greatly assist in protecting and improving child health are school nurses.7 We believe there should be a nurse in each school so that they can take a role in crucial areas such as mental health and healthy eating. Positive health indicators could be used to shift focus and monitor progress.8 The plan also needs to acknowledge that for child health to be secured the underlying determinants of health, especially poverty and inequalities, will have to be prioritised.910 It is imperative that there are improvements in housing, welfare, health, and social care systems that support children’s health, with investment proportionate to levels of need.