The government has announced a 10 year plan to change the way children's health services are delivered in England, putting children at the centre of care.

Health Secretary John Reid proclaimed at the launch of the national service framework last week that children need more personalised services that are tailored to meet their individual needs. “Children and young people are not just mini-adults,” he said.

The child-centred character of some children's wards, like the one pictured above, needs to be emulated elsewhere, the framework says

Credit: COLIN CUTHBERT/SPL

The standards in the framework promise accessible and age appropriate services, earlier diagnosis and intervention, and a smoother transition from child to adult services.

It details more services for adolescents, closer working with parents, and a reduction in inequalities in health between children. The framework also aims to integrate health, social, and education services in children's centres.

The framework, which has been three …