Miles Briggs MSP hosts launch of RCPCH “State of Child Health” report in Parliament.
Lothian Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs MSP hosted the launch in the Scottish Parliament of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s (RCPCH) major new report “State of Child Health” on Thursday. The report suggested the health of children in Scotland is among the worst in Europe. The event was attended by the Minister of Public Health, Aileen Campbell, MSPs from across the political spectrum as well as clinicians and medics from across all of Scotland.
Speaking at the event, Miles said:
“ I have only been an MSP and Member of the Parliament Health Committee since last May – but one of the key challenges which I have seen through everything we look at in the Health Committee is the need for co-ordinated action across several Scottish Government departments.
“ If we are really going to make a difference we need to get everyone out of their silos and working to a common goal to make Scotland the healthiest country in the world to grow up.
“ I think it is important to note that The RCPCH State of Child Health document brought together data for the first time on 25 measures ranging from specific child health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and epilepsy.
“ I’m delighted that the Minister for Public Health & Sport, Aileen Campbell is here with us today.
“Those who know me will know – I never miss an opportunity when I get it to ask Scottish Government Ministers to do something. And perhaps my own key ask to the Minister today – looking at the report findings is for the Scottish Government to support RCPCH’s call for the gaps in data around child health to be addressed and I hope this is a constructive suggestion which can help target resources and services appropriately – and one the Minister will agree to take forward.
“ It is totally unacceptable that Scotland has one of the worst records for child health in western Europe – we all agree with that and are passionate about changing that unwanted record. I hope that today and the publication of RCPCH State of Child Health report – will help us redouble our focus and efforts to transform child health in Scotland.”
