Child health time bomb warning as baby deaths set to soar
THE nation is facing a children’s health time bomb after a shock report last night showed baby deaths rocketing to record levels.
A study reveals our children’s health is lagging behind comparable countries in Europe in a range of key areas and is set to worsen unless urgent action is taken.
Infant mortality rates in England and Wales are set to rise to be 140 per cent higher than comparable wealthy nations by 2030.
At present, deaths of children aged one and under in England and Wales are 30 per cent higher.
The report by the the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says key risk factors – including smoking by pregnant women and a higher proportion of young mothers – are partly to blame. The findings show that deaths of children from chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, plus epilepsy, remain “substantially higher” than the average.
Reported mental health problems are set to increase by 63 per cent in 2030. Also, Accident and Emergency attendances among children and young people are likely to increase by 50 per cent.
The report warns that nearly a third of boys from the most deprived backgrounds will be obese by 2030.
Top paediatrician, Professor Russell Viner, warned of “danger on the horizon”.
He said a properly-funded health strategy which could transform the life chances of children and young people is “needed urgently” to stem the predicted rises.
The report, used long-term historical data to project outcomes for children in 2030, comparing England with European and other Western countries.
Breastfeeding
France, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Holland and Italy were among those included along with Australia and Canada.
Professor Viner said the hardest statistic to bear was the difference in infant mortality.
As well as the other factors, low breastfeeding rates also contributed to the baby death figures. He added that unless trends improve, “England is likely to fall further behind countries of similar wealth over the next decade, making it harder to give children the best start in life, receive the care they need and remain healthy into productive, happy adult lives.
“If we are to turn the tide on these predictions, development of a children and young people’s health strategy for England and funding for a transformation programme to lead improvements in children’s health will be essential.”
An NHS England spokeswoman said: “This report provides useful context for the NHS Long Term Plan to ensure the best outcomes for children in the future.”