- A report by the Children’s Commissioner reveals hundreds of children in England are unnecessarily in hospital because of inadequate community support.
- Analysis of NHS England data revealed over 260,000 youngsters spent three or more weeks in hospital, with 1,300 there for over a year, and more than 400 spending half their lives in care.
- These discharge delays are primarily caused by insufficient children’s social care placements, funding disputes, and a shortage of home nursing and suitable housing, impacting children's development and contributing to bed shortages.
- The report highlights a “hidden crisis” exacerbated by a lack of consistent data on children medically fit for discharge but unable to leave due to external factors.
- Dame Rachel de Souza calls for a coordinated cross-government system spanning health, social care, and education, alongside a national plan to expand home nursing and guarantee palliative care for children.
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