Report of the Intercountry Meeting on Improving Paediatric Hospital Care: Lessons learned. Executive summary

The purpose of this WHO-Regional Office for Europe Intercountry Meeting on Improving Paediatric Hospital Care – Lessons Learned held in October 2010 was to review Member States’ experience and progress in improving childcare in hospitals, and to discuss challenges, disseminate technical guidance and decide on the next stage for further improving paediatric hospital care in the European Region. Particular emphasis was on how to strengthen the rights of child-patients to optimal health care. Participants identified options that could possible fill gaps and overcome obstacles at all levels and health providers, from national to community, and came up with recommendations on a specific set of actions. Dissemination of the meeting’s outcome could contribute to improve paediatric hospital care in all European Member States.