Released on: 18 September 2024
Responding to IPPR’s cross-party Commission on Health and Prosperity report, Angela McConville, Chief Executive at NCT, said:
“Britain's health is flatlining and children bearing the brunt of the crisis.
“The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has admitted today that maternity is the issue that keeps him up at night—a sentiment any expectant parent can relate to, as they imagine the uncertainty and fear of bringing a baby into a system struggling to provide the care, support, and safety they need.
“Thousands of infant deaths could have been prevented between 2020 and 2022 if improvements in infant mortality hadn’t been allowed to stall. Health disparities are spiralling due to worsening socio-economic issues, yet local support services have been left to stagnate. The result? More babies dying needlessly, rising childhood obesity, and a mental health crisis.
“We welcome the proposal to create ‘neighbourhood health centres’ and restore Sure Start – and we urge Government to ensure these include local, community-based support for parents and babies during the antenatal and postnatal period.
This would ensure that families are connected to essential resources, such as mental health services, and peer support groups, helping to improve maternal health, infant development, and overall family wellbeing during critical early stages of life.”
To read the full report, please click here.
