The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published its State of Child Health 2026 report and, from our perspective as a charity supporting families, it makes for worrying reading.
The report shows that many children in England are not getting the healthy start in life they deserve. Progress has stalled, or even gone backwards in many areas of children’s health, with families living in the most disadvantaged communities often facing the greatest challenges.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Although hydrocephalus isn’t one of the conditions highlighted in the report, many of the issues raised will feel very familiar to the families we support at Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust (Harry’s HAT).
Children living with hydrocephalus often need specialist medical care throughout their lives, regular monitoring, support at school, and access to different healthcare services. When services are stretched, families can face long waits, difficulties accessing the right specialists, and added stress trying to navigate complex systems.
The report also highlights the impact that poverty and inequality can have on children’s health and life chances. We know that many families caring for a child with hydrocephalus face additional pressures, including the costs of travelling to appointments, time away from work, and the emotional impact of managing a long-term condition. No child should have poorer health outcomes because of where they live or their family’s circumstances.
OUR RESPONSE
Caroline Coates, CEO and Co-Founder of Harry’s HAT, said:
“Too many families are struggling to access the support they need, and for children living with lifelong conditions such as hydrocephalus, delays and gaps in services can have a lasting impact.
“Small charities like Harry’s HAT bring important lived experience and hear directly from families about the challenges they face. However, it can often be difficult for smaller organisations to access policymakers and the people making decisions about children’s health. We need a seat at the table so that the voices of children with hydrocephalus and their families are heard when services and policies are being developed.
“Every child deserves timely care, the right support, and the best possible chance to thrive.”
Harry’s HAT is now calling on decision-makers, health services and policymakers to ensure that children with hydrocephalus and other long-term neurological conditions are not forgotten as plans are made for the future.
