Cash to save lives of our sick children

The Government has awarded an extra £10 million to advance paediatric intensive care services across the UK, in addition to annual funding.

The windfall has meant a cash boost of £557,000 for children cared for by Dorset and Somerset Health Authority.

Health chiefs welcomed the bonus and have earmarked their share of the funds for a range of vital facilities, including extra beds, increased training and the transport of critically ill babies and children to and from specialist units.

The money will help care for children suffering head injuries, burns, meningococcal meningitis, following surgery or transplants or during treatment for leukaemia or other cancers.

The director of communications and public involvement for Dorset and Somerset Health Authority, Martin Carter, said: "We welcome this allocation.

"This follows the trend of investing extra money in paediatric intensive care since 1997-1998.

"Dorset children with life-threatening conditions go to Southampton University Hospitals Trust, where this grant will represent a significant investment in our paediatric care infrastructure.

"The allocation will be spent on more intensive care and high-dependency beds for children, as well as specialist training for nurses working on intensive care wards.

"Being able to invest in these services is excellent news."

Health minister Jacqui Smith said: "No NHS patient is more vulnerable, or more the cause of worry and concern to loved ones, than a critically ill child.

"Parents want to be sure that the treatment their child gets is of the highest quality and that it is being delivered in the most effective and professional way possible."

Dorset and Somerset Health Authority's share of the £10 million was the smallest allocation, with the largest grant going to Greater Manchester Health Authority.

A spokesman for the department of health said: "The amount is appropriate for the population of 0-16 year-olds in the area."