Child Death

Noted (AI summary) The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) acknowledges the concerns around private ambulance providers and unregulated 'Ambulance Technicians'. AACE supports the College of Paramedics' efforts to protect the 'Ambulance Technician' title and works with statutory ambulance services to ensure quality assurance when contracting with private providers. The Department of Health is intending to consult later in 2016 on whether permanent companies that provide cover at temporary events should be regulated by the CQC. Officials will review the issues and proposals from Life Skills Medical UK and discuss them with the CQC and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding advice and support for pregnant women about whooping cough vaccination. They note that NHS England is responding on behalf of the Department of Health, Public Health England and NHS England. NHS England will consider the coroner's concerns about integrating pertussis and immunisation services into routine maternity care as part of an independent review of maternity services in England. Public Health England also manages the situation as a national level incident.

Noted (AI summary) The CQC states it has no regulatory remit over non-therapeutic circumcisions performed for religious purposes by non-healthcare professionals, as the regulations would require amendment by the Secretary of State. The Department of Health acknowledges concerns about non-medical settings for male circumcision and notes that a change in legislation would require consultation. They will copy the letter to clinical leads of CCGs in England to highlight the case and reiterate the advice that circumcision should be carried out by a regulated healthcare professional.

Noted (AI summary) The RCOG acknowledges the concerns but refers to their guideline which aligns with the National Screening Committee's recommendation against routine screening for GBS. NICE acknowledges the concerns but refers to the UK National Screening Committee's current position that screening for GBS is not supported by the evidence, and that NICE's guideline does not recommend routine screening for GBS. The Department of Health acknowledges concerns about GBS screening but states that the UK National Screening Committee does not currently support universal screening due to insufficient evidence. They note that the NSC will be reviewing the evidence in 2015/16.

Noted (AI summary) The Welsh Government reviewed its guidance leaflet for parents on reducing SUDI risks following the coroner's concerns, but concluded that the leaflet should continue to be used without changes, consistent with NICE guidance.

Noted (AI summary) Bedford Hospital NHS Trust explains its procedures for newly qualified midwives, neonatal resuscitation training, and supervision of midwives, asserting compliance with relevant standards and effective operation of the supervision system. They state that there were no issues raised by the LSA officer to date.