Things in the library 17 March...

Things about looked after children...
Coram Voice and Bristol University launched the findings of a new report Our Lives Our Care. The report is part of Coram Voice’s Bright Spots project which aims to improve young people’s care journeys by involving their experiences and opinions.83% of looked after children say that being in care has improved their lives, but girls report lower wellbeing than boys.




Things about the environment...
This new publication from WHO presents the continuing and emerging challenges to children’s environmental health. Inheriting a sustainable world: Atlas on children’s health and the environment  takes into account changes in the major environmental hazards to children’s health over the last 13 years, due to increasing urbanisation, industrialisation, globalisation and climate change, as well as efforts in the health sector to reduce children’s environmental exposures. It aligns with the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, launched in 2015, in stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, in safe and healthy settings.
Closely linked is another publication from WHO Don’t pollute my future! The impact of the environment on children’s health. It was estimated in 2012 that 26% of childhood deaths and 25% of the total disease burden in children under five could be prevented through the reduction of environmental risks such as air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation and inadequate hygiene or chemicals. Children are especially vulnerable to environmental threats due to their developing organs and immune systems, smaller bodies and airways. Proportionate to their size, children ingest more food, drink more water and breathe more air than adults. Additionally, certain modes of behaviour, such as putting hands and objects into the mouth and playing outdoors can increase children’s exposure to environmental contaminants.

Things about DNA (Did Not Attend)...
Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Board has produced a short video animation to encourage practitioners to identify children as ‘Was Not Brought’ as opposed to ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) when referring to them not being presented at medical appointments. The NSPCC thematic briefing on learning from case reviews for the health sector finds that the DNA category does not recognise the real issue which is children not being taken to appointments, a potential indicator of neglect.

New books...
Some new books have been put on the shelves this week including a new edition of '100 cases in paediatrics'  The new edition explores common paediatric scenarios that will be encountered by the medical student and junior doctor during practical training on the ward, in the emergency department, in outpatient clinics and in the community, and which are likely to feature in qualifying examinations. The book covers a comprehensive range of presentations from cough to constipation, organised by sub-speciality area for ease of reference. Comprehensive answers highlight key take home points from each case and provide practical advice on how to deal with the challenges that occur when practising paediatric medicine at all levels.

Things a bit changeable...
From eating my lunch in Weston Park on Wednesday (along with lots of other staff escaping for a few minutes) to being back in my winter coat today it's difficult to know whether to go light and spring like with the recipe or back to warm, comfortable food. Although forecast to get a bit warmer at the weekend it doesn't look like it will be sunny so lets have a soup. This Jamie Oliver sweet potato, coconut & cardamom soup sounds lovely.