NHS England: North East and North Cumbria take an integrated approach to addressing children’s healthcare inequalities

Summary

The Child Health and Wellbeing Network (CHWN) in the North East and North Cumbria is spearheading a programme of work to support parents and families to better manage common childhood illnesses as well as supporting those living in underserved communities to access local services to support their health and wellbeing.

Content

Eight out of the ten local authorities in the UK with the highest rates of child poverty are in the North East and Cumbria. The region also has a higher proportion of people living in the 20% most deprived areas than the national average.

Poverty and low income are known factors which influence people’s health, with children from deprived socio-economic backgrounds more likely to experience acute infections requiring treatment.

A key part of this project was the development of a guide for parents and families offering expert advice on how to help babies and young children when they’re poorly. The Little Orange Book, developed by Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group, is available online and has received more than 1,000 views in the six months since it has gone live. Twenty-three thousand printed copies have also been distributed to parents and carers through GP practices, health visitors, education and health settings and voluntary and religious organisations. Feedback from local parents has been positive, particularly regarding the reassurance this provides.

A new website ‘Healthier Together’ and mobile application is also now live with information for families on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what ‘red-flag’ signs to look out for and where and how to seek help. The website and app, based on successful work in Wessex and developed by paediatricians and GPs across the region, aims to reduce pressures experienced within the healthcare system by reducing unnecessary attendances in primary, urgent and emergency care.