Doctors in Wales are warning that the nation risks raising one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, citing concerns over the current state of child health services and widening inequalities. A recent report has underscored significant parental apprehension regarding the support available for child health, with a YouGov poll revealing that less than a third of respondents believe the Welsh government is adequately supporting child health. Only 18% of those polled felt the government's National Health Service spending on child health was appropriate.
The cost-of-living crisis is a major factor, with approximately two-thirds of respondents believing it negatively impacts child health. In response, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has urged the Welsh government to fulfill its manifesto commitment to create a Children's Health Plan. This plan, the college argues, should prioritize data, targets, and investment.
Dr. Lizzy Nickerson, RCPCH co-officer for Wales, stated the urgent need for a clear and ambitious plan that focuses on prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities. "This must be evidence-based, data-driven and shaped by the expertise of clinicians alongside the voices and experiences of children and young people themselves," she said. Nickerson emphasized the necessity for stronger, more transparent child health data, meaningful targets to measure progress, and a dedicated focus on closing the gap between children from the most and least advantaged communities. "Children's health cannot be an afterthought – it must be a long-term priority for the Welsh government," she added.
Wales' children's commissioner, Rocio Cifuentes, echoed these concerns, noting that children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health. "Yet this report shows that too many children in Wales are being let down by widening inequalities and inconsistent access to support," Cifuentes stated. She highlighted that the report's findings align with consistent feedback from children and young people who report that support often arrives too late, access to services like mental health and dental care is difficult, and healthy choices are not always the easiest options.
A spokesperson for the Welsh government acknowledged the concerns, asserting that a "comprehensive range of policies and programmes" are already in place to improve health outcomes for children. They highlighted early years development, vaccination, and mental health support as central to their approach. "We know the early years of a child's life are crucial, not only for their development but also for shaping their future health, wellbeing and life chances," the spokesperson said. The government is currently considering options to strengthen and sustain a national focus on the health of babies, children, and young people, ensuring prevention, early intervention, and integrated service delivery remain key policy and service development areas in Wales.