The Journey from
Mother Care for Children in Hospital
through
National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital
to
Action for Sick Children.
1961 - 2009
The Beginning
In 1953, a psychotherapist, James Robertson had undertaken research into the effects of separation from home and family on children in hospital. He produced a series of films which were broadcast on television. They showed that the most distressing part of hospitalisation for children was not pain or illness but separation from their mother. At that time, children endured long, lonely stays in hospital. Visiting hours were short or even non-existent. Parents were firmly discouraged from staying with their child, to avoid disrupting hospital routine or due to a perceived fear of cross infection. After the films were broadcast, in 1959 Sir Harry Platt's government report 'The Welfare of Children in Hospital' was published. One of its recommendations was that visiting to all children should be unrestricted.
1961
Mother Care for Children in Hospital (MCCH) established by mothers as a response to the need to push forward the recommendations made in the Platt Report that were largely being ignored by the medical profession. Their meetings with professionals and parents led to the formation of more MCCH groups, and the movement grew quickly.
1962
First visiting survey revealed widespread disparities and very limited access for parents.
1963
31 nationwide member groups formed one national organisation. The first national conference organised.
1965
Name changed to National Association for the welfare of Children in Hospital (NAWCH).
NAWCH raised funding for the first ever purpose built mother and child unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. It was a 2 bedded suite built especially to allow mothers to stay with their child during their hospital stay.
1967
"Coming into Hospital" leaflet published.
1971
NAWCH set up and funded the first ever Play facility in the North West of England. It was set up in a Nissen Hut in the grounds of Wythenshawe Hospital.
1973
"National Survey of Visiting Arrangements, Accomodation and Play Provision" published and reports inadequacies to Regional Hospital Boards.
The Play facility at Wythenshawe Hospital was moved to permanent purpose built facilities within the newly built Wythenshawe Hospital. Consultants who had been previously sceptical about the provision of this service started to bring their students to the Play Department in order to demonstrate its effectiveness with their patients.
1974
NAWCH members appointed to newly constituted Health Authorities and elected to more than fifty Community Health Councils.
1977
Manchester NAWCH set up Transport for Sick Children scheme in the North West of England. It was set up by a retired paediatric nurse who was asked to help take a family and their young child to a hospital play unit. As the family's need for transport reduced, a request for help with another family came about and the scheme grew from strength to strength. The scheme now covers the whole of Greater Manchester.
1983
NAWCH "Survey of Hospital Facilities for Parents" highlights continued restriction on visiting, especially on operation day, and the lack of parental accommodation.
1986
NAWCH Visiting Hour's Campaign considered won.
NAWCH Silver Jubilee Celebration Conference held.
1989
NAWCH publishes "Setting standards for Children in Health Care", the first in a series of Quality Reviews aimed at health professionals.
1990
NAWCH publishes "Setting Standards for Adolescents in Hospital".
1991
NAWCH changes its name to Action for Sick Children, reflecting the growing number of children being nursed at home. Its campaign promotes quality health care for sick children in hospital or at home.
1992
Action for Sick Children publishes "With Health in Mind", a review of mental health services for children and adolescents.
1993
The "Too Dear To Visit" campaign launched in conjunction with Contact a Family to establish a fund for hospital visiting costs.
Action for Sick Children publishes:
"Healthcare for all our Children", a guide to the provision of healthcare for ethnic minority children.
"When Your Child is Sick", a basic guide for parents on primary and hospital care.
"Teenagers in Hospital", a young person's guide to staying in hospital.
1994
National parent advice and information service set up.
"Setting Standards for Children Undergoing Surgery" and "Helping children cope with needles", parents information booklets published.
1995
Action for Sick Children comments on the Department of Health's draft Children's Charter.
1996
Action for sick children gives evidence to the House of Commons Select Commitee on the care of sick children in hospital and in the community.
"Health Services for Children and Young People" is published.
1997
Action for Sick Children publishes "Emergency Health Services for Children and Young People", the most recent report in its highly regarded Quality Review Series.
1998
"Youth Matters"published as part of the Caring for Children in the Health Services Consortium. It highlights evidence-based 'best practice' for teenagers in hospital.
"Pictures of Healthcare - A Child's Eye View" published. Illustrating children's views of hospital through a collection of drawings and used as a valuable training aid in nurse education.
1999
Action for Sick Children provides evidence to the Bristol Royal Infirmary heart surgery inquiry.
Millennium Charter for Children's Health established. Drawing up the ten targets for child health in the 21st Century. These are the aspirations for the future of children's health services.
2000
Development of Action for Sick Children training programmes. Training for health professionals on achieving 'best practice' in children's health services in hospital and the community.
2001
Action for Sick Children Best Practice Awards. Recognising excellence in children's health services delivered by teams and units in hospital and the community across the UK.
2002
Second year of Action for Sick Children's Best Practice Awards.
2003
National Service Framework for Children and Young People and Maternity Services published by the Department of Health. Action for Sick Children is involved.
2004
'Park the Car, Park the Charges' Campaign launched. For some parents, finding a hospital parking space can be a problem, but paying for it can be an even bigger nightmare. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the prohibitive costs of parking for parents visiting their children in hospital.
2005
Publication of "Evaluating Children's Health Services - The Adolescent User Perspective" and "Principles for Involving Children and Young People in the Service Planning and Delivery Processes for Hospital Play Services."
2006
Publication of "Consenting to Treatment for Children and Young People" - a guide for parents and carers with useful tips for healthcare staff.
2007
Launch of Dental Playbox project. Dental Play Boxes will reach over 1,000 children each year. The aim of the project is to inform parents and to help children through play and questioning to learn about dental health care and procedures. The Dental Play Box contains safe dental equipment, mini uniforms, books and toys about visiting the dentist.
Publication of literature search on where children and young people have been given a voice in health matters.
2008
'Park the Car, Park the Charges' Campaign re-audit starts.
'Keeping Children and Young People on Your Radar' conference held at University of Warwick, October 2008.
The first Norah Rees Award was presented this year.
2009
6th October - The launch of the new Planning Tool "Involving Children and Young People in Healthcare" in collaboration with NHS National Centre for Involvement at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London. The online interactive planning tool went 'live' on Action for Sick Children website. It aims to support people working with children and young people in the health care sector, to help in the process of engaging with children and young people.
19th November - "A Celebration of Platt 1959-2009, Past-Present-Future" conference held at the University of Manchester, Chancellors Hotel and Conference Centre.
As long as there are sick children, there will be problems for parents and health care professionals with both social and financial issues. We still have a long way to go before all children receive the health care and attention they deserve. We will continue to lobby and campaign towards achieving a high standard of health care that is appropriate for the needs of all children and young people in this country.
But there is still much more to be done.You can help us by becoming a friend
