New national standards to deliver more child-friendly services in hospitals, including dedicated children's units in accident and emergency departments, were launched last week by Health Secretary Alan Milburn. They will be backed up by a 70m investment in neonatal intensive care facilities. The standards, which are part of the National Service Framework for Children, cover the design and delivery of services for children and the safety and quality of care. They will help to ensure children are cared for in hospital settings that reflect the needs of their age group. There should be facilities for children separate from those provided for adolescents, education support to ensure they do not fall behind with their schooling, children's menus, regular reviews of security and specialist training for staff. Following the Kennedy Inquiry, hospitals will also be expected to have a children's champion at board level to see that the standards are met.
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