ABSTRACT
Conditions under which children are cared for in hospital the UK still vary. Although we strive for excellence for all children, first-class care remains elusive. The goal, of course, changes constantly as medicine advances, the patterns of illness alter and the expectations of the public are heightened. Nevertheless, in many parts of the country, children are now cared for in purpose-built and well-staffed departments. This has not always been so: during the twentieth century, much of the care of children fell below the acceptable level. Improvement was curiously slow until recent years. The improvement reflects a national determination to lift children’s services, led by healthcarers but in response to the demands and expectations of today’s parents.
