Labour beats Sure Start target with over 2,900 children’s centres open

Children’s Ministers Ed Balls and Beverley Hughes celebrated the news that Labour’s target for 2,500 Children’s Centres to be open by the start of this month had been exceeded.

Visiting a Sure Start Children’s Centre in Stockwell, south London they revealed that 2,906 Children’s Centres were opened across England by 31 March 2008 – beating the 2,500 target.

Sure Start Children’s Centres are a one-stop shop for families and children under five. They offer easy access to a range of services including early years learning, childcare, family health services, and advice and support for parents.  A recent independent evaluation report found that Sure Start was having a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit’s programme update

Mr. David Amess asked the Secretary of State for Health, on childbirth, what the (a) terms of reference and (b) timetable of the national perinatal epidemiology unit’s programme of reviews are; and if he will make a statement. [198743]

Ann Keen, Minister of State, responded that the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit is conducting the programme of systematic reviews referred to in my previous answer in line with a research proposal that has been peer reviewed and agreed with the Department. The primary aim is to make best use of existing national and international research evidence to identify the key interventions that are most likely to contribute to meeting the 2010 infant mortality target and, in the longer term, to improving maternal and child health and a sustainable reduction in health inequalities. The reviews will also help identify evidence gaps where there is a need for new research.

The work runs until September 2009, and the research team will provide outputs on a staged basis during the life of the project. Review outputs will cover generic public health interventions as well as the major medical causes of infant mortality. The research team has appointed a multi-disciplinary advisory group to support the work.

Child poverty in Scotland to be debated

The Scottish Affairs Committee has reported that MPs are to debate issues relating to child poverty in Scotland on May 1st 2008. The Committee published its report on Child Poverty in Scotland in February. In the report, it welcomed the progress made in reducing child poverty but called for the welfare system to be simplified so that support reaches those families most in need.

The Chairman, Mr Mohammad Sarwar MP, said at the time of report that the cycle of deprivation in Scotland needed to be broken and that urgent action must be taken. He also said: ‘I am pleased that this important issue will be debated by MPs in the Commons. It is vital that child poverty in Scotland remains high on the Westminster agenda and this is an opportunity for all MPs to have their say.’

Provision for Pregnant Women with Mental Illness and Personality Disorders

Ms Chuilin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the provision and support his department is providing for pregnant women who are experiencing (i) mental illness; and (ii) personality disorder.

Mr M McGimpsey replied that “many pregnant women with ongoing mental illness or personality disorders will already be known to services and be receiving care, either at the primary care level or from specialist mental health services. These established care arrangements should continue throughout her pregnancy, and should be provided in co-operation with those delivering her maternity care.

For those women who, during their pregnancy, develop, or exhibit for the first time, a mental health problem, I would expect midwives and obstetricians to recognise that there is a potential mental health issue and that established liaison arrangements should be in place to enable them to quickly contact an appropriate source for advice, support and, where necessary, specialised treatment.”