Children and Young People

Dr. Margaret SomervilleDirector of Public Health and

Elaine Garman Public Health Specialist

Population Changes

Children and young people under the age of 18 years comprise 19% of the NHS Highland population

Fewer children live in poverty in Highland compared to Scotland, but 39% live in remote or very remote areas

Children’s and Young People’s Health• 4-5% babies born each year have a low birth weight

(<2500g) with a clear socio-economic gradient• High uptake of childhood immunisations except for

MMR• Hospitalisation rates for unintentional injuries (0-14

years) lower than for Scotland, but not reducing• Hospitalisation rates for alcohol-related diagnoses

(0-19 years) falling, but still much higher than for Scotland

• Few deaths, main causes accidents

Early Years

Intervention to give children the best start in life is the most effective way to prevent problems in later life– Early Years Collaborative– UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative and breast-feeding– Healthy Start– 27-30 month health review

School Years• Physical Activity– Fewer girls meet target of 60 minutes physical activity a

day then boys, especially in teenage years

• Healthy Weight Interventions– Higher rates of overweight and obese children in Highland

compared to Scotland, not reducing, currently 24% P1 children

– High 5 programme

• Tobacco Control– Smoking rates for 13 and 15 year olds reducing over time

Adolescence

• Both national and local surveys record a diminishing proportion of 13 and 15 year olds reporting alcohol and drug use

• Long-term reduction in teenage pregnancy in Scotland and Highland since the 1990s

• Sexual health services

Transition to Adulthood• Over 90% school-leavers in a positive destination –

higher than Scotland– Women more likely than men to be in a positive destination– Strong socio-economic gradient

• Support available– Activity agreements– Employability Pipeline– Risk Matrix

Looked-After Children and Young People

Health status, risk-taking behaviour and achievement of LACYP poorer than other children’sAccess to services an issue, particularly with frequent placement moves

Long-Term Conditions

• 46 children meet definition of exceptional needs across NHS Highland – far more than predicted – and need complex care packages

• Management of diabetes improving e.g. in Argyll & Bute we now have 12 children on insulin pumps which is likely to improve the health outcomes for these children with Type 1 diabetes

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Consulting Young People• Highland Youth Voice– Feedback incorporated into For Highland’s Children 4

• Argyll and Bute’s Integrated Children’s Services Plan incorporates extensive feedback from young people

Recommendations

• Children’s services commissioning and information requirements

• Support for Early Years Collaborative• Corporate Parenting role• Addressing health needs of LACYP• Coordination of service provision for children

with complex care needs• Planning for transition to adult services

Specifics from Children & Young People’s Health & Wellbeing Profile (2013)

• Population of young people decreasing. Who will work here in the future?

• Measures of child poverty, income deprivation and overall deprivation indicate Bute & Cowal is likely to have the greatest need for services

• The impact on health may be reflected in higher rates of obesity and lower life expectancy