This document sets out the priorities for the NHS up to 2008 based on the process of reform set out in the NHS Plan (Cm. 4818-I ISBN 0101481829). It is in three sections. The first 'Laying the foundations' looks at the progress so far in NHS reform. The second section 'Offering a better service' sets out the objectives of the policy under the headings of personalised care, supporting people with long-term conditions, and a healthier and fitter population. One of the aims is to change the NHS from a sickness service to a service that gives a higher priority to the prevention of disease and a reduction of health inequalities. The third section is called 'Making it happen' and it covers investment and diversity of provision, staff and working practices and information systems.
Since publication of the fourth edition of this highly successful book, there have been a number of Government initiatives, reports and policies on how the health of children can best be protected and promoted. This revised fourth edition incorporates recent material on the National Service Framework, 'Every Child Matters', the public health report 'Choosing Health', and the Children Act. It has also been informed by new research on a variety of topics including Sure Start, obesity, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and language acquisition. Health for all Children 4/e (revised) continues the themes of previous editions, in particular highlighting the growing evidence that behavioural problems and educational failure are not inevitable, and can be prevented. Thus the role of screening for developmental problems, while not ignored, is set in the context of what can be done to promote language development, reading, and enthusiasm for learning. Changes made to the fourth edition, and continued in this revised edition, include dealing with the health care needs of children of school age as well as pre-school children. It also outlines the needs of special groups of children, including those who are vulnerable or disabled and those living in unusual circumstances. The legislative framework is outlined and hallmarks of good practice described. Promoting children's health is a key focus, with updated information on nutrition and injury prevention, and emphasis on the importance of parent education and support, language, and literacy skills, with a review of behavioural management programmes for parents. It also describes the duties laid on PCTs with regard to education and social services support. This established and successful book continues to be essential reading for all health professionals who work with children, whether in the community or at the receiving end of referrals. It will also provide vital background knowledge for those charged with the responsibility of planning, commissioning and monitoring. This revised fourth edition provides the most up to date evidence in a rapidly changing field.
Family planning allows people to attain their desired number of children and determine the spacing of pregnancies. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility. Promotion of family planning--and ensuring access to preferred contraceptive methods for women and couples--is essential to securing the well-being and autonomy of women, while supporting the health and development of communities. Family planning / contraception is key to slowing unsustainable population growth and the resulting negative global impacts on the economy, environment, and national and regional development efforts. It follows therefore that safe contraceptive methods need to be available to as many women as possible, including those that have a pre-existing medical condition. WHO's Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, which was first published in 1996, provides family planning providers with guidance on helping those living with medical conditions to find a contraceptive method that works for them. For each medical condition or medically relevant characteristic, contraceptive methods are placed into one of four numbered categories. Category 1. A condition for which there is no restriction for the use of the contraceptive method Category 2. A condition where the advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks Category 3. A condition where the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using the method Category 4. A condition which represents an unacceptable health risk if the contraceptive method is used. This simple classification enables family planning providers to provide contraception safely to women (and men) who previously may have been excluded from methods because of a lack of clinical guidance.
