Protecting Vulnerable Children - Statement From Secretary Of State For Health Alan Johnson, UK

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 02 Dec 2008 - 1:00 PST

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"I would like to thank Ofsted, the Healthcare Commission and the Chief Inspector of Constabulary for conducting the Joint Area Review.

The details of this case are tragic and deeply disturbing.

The report highlights clear failures by the local NHS organisations to communicate properly and share information and expertise. These failures are unacceptable. The protection of vulnerable children requires the very highest levels of performance. We urgently need to learn the lessons of this appalling case.

I have today asked the Healthcare Commission to undertake a swift analysis of whether health organisation boards are applying national child protection standards as vigorously as they should be.

The Healthcare Commission has also agreed to review the role of local NHS organisations in Haringey in the circumstances of the death of Baby P, looking in particular at communication between healthcare professionals and organisations and awareness of child protection procedures working closely with the new Serious Case Review. The Commission will also be working closely with Ofsted in its ongoing work.

In addition, David Nicholson, the Chief Executive of the NHS, is today writing to all NHS organisations. He expects them to review their arrangements for child protection, play their full part in child protection arrangements and ensure that professional staff are receiving appropriate child protection training within their continuing professional development."

Department of Health, UK