Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the NHS 111 paediatric clinical assessment service pilot in reducing A&E attendance of children and supporting families; and if he will take steps to embed paediatric clinical assessment in all NHS 111 services.

There are significant challenges within child health, as outlined by Lord Darzi’s report. Demand for services is increasing, and the health and care needs of children are becoming increasingly more complex. NHS England will continue to assess the expansion of existing pilot initiatives, such as the NHS 111 paediatric clinical assessment service pilot, in reducing accident and emergency attendance of children, young people, and supporting families.

The upcoming 10-Year Health Plan provides an opportunity to ensure that the three shifts, from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention, are prioritised and meet the needs of children and young people. This includes the opportunity to develop the role of neighbourhood health services to support children and young people accessing high-quality holistic physical and mental health care in the community.