Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Friday, 19 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 February 2010. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Thursday, 25 February 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Strokes: Children

Question: (2) what steps his Department is taking to raise public and professional awareness of childhood stroke;

Answer: Implementation of the Royal College of Physicians' clinical guidance is a local responsibility. It is for commissioners, in consultation with their providers, to specify services for their local populations on the basis of need, including children and young people.The Government's policy document, 'Healthy lives, brighter futures: the strategy for children and young peoples health', raises awareness of the need to address rare and complex conditions in childhood and includes a commitment to make sure that, by 2010, all children with complex health needs will have individual care plans to support co-ordinated care. Work is in hand to ensure this commitment is met.Support for the carers of children with complex conditions is a key feature of care plans. We are moving towards a situation where families can expect 24/7 access to advice and support from Community Children's Nursing Teams; a single lead professional for the family, who can liaise with the various agencies involved in delivering national health service care, and an integrated package of care.As a further step, the Department will shortly publish the final version of the National Framework for Children and Young People's Continuing Care. This will help with assessing the continuing health care needs of children and young people, and with considering the bespoke packages of care that will be required to meet those needs.

Secondary information