An MP has sought assurances about provision for the future for young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.
Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew asked for the assurances during the Second Reading of the Care Bill in the House of Commons.
Mr Andrew spoke of the importance of advance planning for the needs of children who need services, including those who are seriously ill.
He said: “There are more than 40,000 children and young people aged 0-19 in England who have long-term health conditions which, for most, will eventually end their lives and for which they may require palliative care.
“Medical advances mean that more young people with a range of different conditions are living into adulthood than ever before. This represents a 30 per cent increase over ten years. The highest rate of increase is among those aged 16-19, who now account for 4,000, or one in ten, of 0-19-year-olds who need palliative care and it is vital that in such cases, a child’s carer’s assessments should be undertaken before the young person is 16 and adequate provision for the future is determined.”
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