Standards for disabled children in hospital are being developed as part of the National Service Framework for Children (NSF).

These standards are not likely to be out until the end of the year.

However, the Department of Health has now published the first stage of the NSF looking at standards for children in hospital.

You can access these documents via the Contact a Family website at: www.cafamily.org.uk/campaigns.html

You will find downloadable booklets aimed at parents, children and young people which explain what the standards mean.

If you do not have access to the internet and you would like a copy of the booklets, phone Contact a Family on 0808 808 3555 and they will send them to you.

Hospitals will be inspected on whether they meet the standards.

They apply to all hospitals, including specialist and children’s hospitals.

In many cases it will be up to parents and groups to ensure that their local hospitals and Primary Care Trusts know about and begin to implement the standards. Hospitals are being urged to fully involve parents in drawing up their plans.