Children’s Health Scotland launches its manifesto

Date: 12th February 2021
Category: Health and health services, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

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The Manifesto sets out six key priority calls for change, informed by the views of children, young people, families and professionals. The main focus is on improvements to facilities and services to improve the health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families.

The six key priority areas are:

Voice – when creating healthcare policies, MSPs of all parties need to hear the voices of children and young people with health conditions. This will support Articles 28 and 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Articles 8 and 9 of the European Association for Children in Hospital’s Charter (EACH Charter).

Information – decision makers must ensure children, young people and families have access to information which is age-appropriate, easy to read and in accessible formats to enable them all to receive the best quality healthcare. This is in line with UNCRC Articles 23 and 24, and EACH Charter Article 7.

Freedom from hunger – no child should go hungry, aligned with Article 24 of the UNCRC.

Improving life experiences – provide the best possible healthcare to improve the life experiences of children and young people. This call relates to Articles 23 and 24 of the UNCRC and EACH Charter Article 8.

Training and resources – training and resources need to be available to ensure children, young people and families, including carers, are empowered to identify the needs of children during times of illness and to access appropriate services. This call supports Articles 28 and 29 of the UNCRC an EACH Charter Article 7

Health-related play – play can help children and young people physically, mentally and emotionally, and is therefore essential. This call relates to Articles 23, 24 and 21 of the UNCRC and EACH Charter Articles 1, 4, 7.

• Find out more about this manifesto here.
• Read about the EACH Charter here.