SWU looks forward to attending the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Children Event on the Health and Care Bill

Integrated Care Systems should prioritise prevention and the reduction of childhood inequalities

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Children, supported by their secretariat the National Children’s Bureau, are hosting an exciting virtual event that will take place on the afternoon of Monday 6th December 2021. The event will explore what a good Integrated Care System looks like for children and identify priorities for the Health and Care Bill as it enters the House of Lords.

John McGowan, SWU General Secretary, said, 'I am looking forward to representing SWU at this meeting and hearing from the leading experts in the children’s sector. It’s brilliant that we will also be hearing from children, young people and families as it’s important to include voices of those with lived experience.'

‘Integrating services across the health and social care system can help improve outcomes and experiences people have of care and has the potential to have an impact on the deep health inequalities in England. While the Health and Care Bill is not a panacea for all the challenges the system is facing – including chronic staff shortages and underfunding – it is a welcome step toward a more locally led and person-centred approach.’

The Health and Care Bill was published on 6 July 2021, will be debated in Parliament throughout autumn and winter 2021, and is expected to be passed in time for changes to come into effect in April 2022.

With the Health and Care Bill progressing through Parliament and the creation of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), this is a crucial opportunity to think differently about how we meet the needs of babies, children and young people. Ensuring that ICSs prioritise prevention and reducing inequalities in childhood will have a significant impact on the health of England for years to come.

The Minister of State for Health, Edward Argar MP will be speaking at the event and other Parliamentarians, leading experts in the children’s sector, as well as children, young people and families themselves will also contribute to the event.