4 minute read
A look back at 2021
The disruption caused by COVID-19 has not worn off and the pressures facing our members have never been greater.
The pandemic has caused our society to adapt and make changes to how they live, work and relate to one another. Lockdown demonstrated the pressures on mental health and wellbeing, nutrition and the pressing need for action on climate change. These are key areas the College has focused on for many years.
We introduced our College Strategy 202124 setting out four key aims that will further drive our initiatives to recruit and retain paediatricians and improve health outcomes for children and young people across the four nations and worldwide. These four areas set out a clear path for us to make a greater impact and build on the successes of the past.
Dr Camilla Kingdon, President
Strategy Aims:
1. Harness knowledge, data and intelligence to improve the quality of care for children and young people.
2. Equip members with the skills and knowledge they need through training and assessment.
3. Speak with confidence and authority on the health issues that matter to children and young people and on policies that speak to our values and mission.
4. Develop our communities, supporting members throughout their careers and attracting new recruits, ensuring that the college is financially sustainable and well resourced.
Paediatrics 2040
Forecasting the future
Our vision for the future of paediatrics in the UK
Executive summary
The magazine of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Data Innovation Models of care Working lives
Published February 2021
RCPCH
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Leading the way in Children’s Health
SUMMER 2021 RCPCH TURNS 25
2021 was a year of courage, change and celebration at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Dr Camilla Kingdon hit the ground running when she became our President in May, responding to new General Medical Council (GMC) targets regarding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She also issued a statement of solidarity with India at the height of their fight against COVID-19.
We continued to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable children with a focus on issues threatening their welfare. We published new guidance for safeguarding partnerships during the pandemic and engaged in national discussions regarding the rise in mental health needs and eating disorders.
A year on from publishing State of Child Health, we gathered new data and gained insight on the experiences of children and young people. We had fresh perspectives on the effects of COVID-19 from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
When the Universal Tax Credit Uplift was being threatened, we immediately called for an extension. We furthered our call to extend with a piece written by our President in the BMJ advising that cuts to Universal Credit would leave children hungry.
INSIDE New RCPCH President
Dr Camilla Kingdon
Page 4 The PAFTAs 2021
Celebrating this year’s winners and more
Page 12 Good vibes
The many benefits of a positive mindset at work
Page 20 Close to home
Top location tips for this year’s holidays Page 28
We collaborated with other Royal Medical Colleges and healthcare organisations to plan for the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference. This began with our climate emergency declaration and continued with the coordination of our Climate Change Working Group that includes College staff and member volunteers. In November, we also hosted our first virtual climate change event focusing on child health at home and abroad.
Reducing our footprint
We offered our members the option to access an online only version of the Archives of Disease in Childhood as the first of many steps towards becoming a Net Zero organisation by 2050. This change also reduces subscription rates for existing members and gives access to more members outside of the UK.
Connecting virtually
We moved our key conferences online to accommodate members in the UK and worldwide. Our Singapore International Conference had 750 attendees and our Annual Conference registered more than 1,700 attendees with more than 1,100 abstracts submitted. Supporting the science
The College engaged with government at Westminster participating in discussions to put children and young people at the heart of policymaking. Dr Camilla Kingdon appeared as a witness at the Education and Skills Select Committee discussing issues like COVID-19 vaccinations and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Outcomes gained from scientific research saves thousands of lives every year. We sat down with Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, to advocate for more research in child health. Advocacy in the nations
We worked with our members to produce manifestos setting out priorities in child health ahead of elections in Wales and Scotland.
RCPCH &Us lobbied for better health outcomes through their campaign—Our Health Matters. A suite of resources was developed to encourage young people in Scotland and Wales to advocate for their own health. Videos, powerpoint decks, information posters and an iParl campaign were made available to help raise awareness of child health priorities in their countries.
Resources were made available to teachers and workers in English and Welsh.
