It is an important public health principle that every child is given vital support to develop from birth into childhood through universal child development programmes. Where necessary related programmes support parents, guardians and sometimes the wider family so the environment for child development is successful.
The health status of children in Kent compares favourably with the England average. The geographical areas of Kent and Medway describing a less favourable position reflect the challenges of poorer health status determined by socio-economic deprivation.
During 2008 a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) of children in Kent and a JSNA for maternal health entitled 'Maternity matters' were published. Medway has recently completed a JSNA, which includes a children’s element and are currently working on their JSNA for maternal health.
The intention of the needs assessment for children is to provide analysis of the data to show the health and wellbeing status of children in Kent, demonstrate where inequalities exist, use the views expressed by Kent children and demonstrate evidence of effectiveness of interventions, all of which are included to shape the future investment and direction of services.
The aim of Maternity Matters is to improve the quality of service, safety, outcomes and satisfaction for all pregnant women, their partners and their babies in Kent .
There are a number of indicators relevant to maternal and child health. A steering group has been convened to establish a minimum data set of key indicators to monitor these health outcomes. Various data tables will be available from this site once they have been developed.
For more information on child and maternal health, go to: