We are proud to announce that our Health Rights Defenders have played a vital role in shaping the newly released report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Scotland: “Collaborative Healthcare in Scotland: Delivering the Services Children Need in the Community.”
This powerful report calls for urgent action to address critical issues in community paediatric services across Scotland, including:
- Lack of reliable data to understand and meet children’s needs
- Workforce shortages and unsustainable demand
- Inconsistent access to services depending on postcode
- Poor transitions for disabled children into adult care
- Strained neurodevelopmental services with rising demand and limited support
Commenting on the release of the report, our Head of Children and Young People Services said:
“Children’s Health Scotland is proud to have collaborated with RCPCH Scotland in the creation of this essential report. By listening to the voices of our health rights defenders—children and young people themselves—we were able to ensure their lived experiences and priorities take centre stage. Their insights, highlighted throughout this report, underscore the critical need for timely access to community child health services and collaborative care. Together, we are dedicated to upholding the health rights of every child, empowering families, and fostering an environment where all children can thrive.
“We are particularly inspired by the report’s focus on addressing health inequalities through systemic change and community-centred care. By amplifying the voices of children and families, and aligning our collective efforts, we can implement meaningful interventions that improve outcomes for Scotland’s youngest citizens.
“At Children’s Health Scotland, we will continue to work tirelessly alongside our partners to support those whose health rights are most at risk and to make Scotland a place where every child’s health rights are realised, ensuring they are safe, listened to, and supported to reach their full potential.”
Children’s voices at the heart
At RCPCH Scotland, community paediatricians play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable children, co-ordinating complex care, and working alongside families and multi-agency partners, including conducting clinics in various settings and developing local health strategies. What makes this report truly ground breaking is the inclusion of children and young people’s lived experiences—thanks to the passionate contributions of our Health Rights Defenders.
RCPCH officer for Scotland Dr Mairi Stark said:
“This report delves into the significant challenges faced by community child health services in delivering comprehensive care and support to children and their families. These challenges have been identified through feedback from our dedicated members. Our members have told us of long waiting lists and unsustainable demand for their services. Unlike our Worried and Waiting report, community paediatric data is not published for all health boards on Public Health Scotland. Despite submitting FOIs (freedom of information) to all health boards, we quickly uncovered a glaring inconsistency in data recording, preventing us from obtaining a clear picture of the need across Scotland. If we cannot grasp the full scale of the need, how can we possibly address it? Community paediatrics is essential for children with the most complex needs, yet it remains under-supported and under-resourced. Without better data, strategic investment, and a sustainable workforce, we risk failing the children who rely on us most. RCPCH Scotland is urging the Scottish Government and health boards to act decisively to protect and improve these vital services.”
Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland said:
“Children have the right to the best possible physical and mental health, and that means getting the support they need, when they need it. This powerful report highlights issues that children regularly raise with us and it’s vital that their voices are not only listened to but are acted upon. Much more needs to be done to address the postcode lottery of community-based healthcare and regional disparities to ensure that there is equal access to the right support and professionals at the right time. There is a real need for more investment in child community health including in early intervention, and resources to tackle the unmet need in relation to neurodevelopmental services.”
Through workshops and consultations, our young advocates shared their insights on what health rights mean to them, the challenges they face, and the changes they want to see. Their voices are woven throughout the report, reinforcing the importance of timely, equitable, and child-centred care.
What’s Next?
We echo RCPCH Scotland’s call for:
- Better national data collection and transparency
- Investment in a sustainable, well-supported workforce
- Early intervention and equitable access to care
- Stronger transitions and support for neurodiverse children
Our Health Rights Defenders have shown that young voices are powerful agents of change. We will continue to champion their rights, amplify their voices, and work toward a healthcare system that truly meets their needs. You can read the full report by clicking here.
