National child death review statutory and operational guidance: Key concepts for practising paediatricians

In October 2018, National Health Service England published new operational guidance for reviewing child deaths, which covers all children who die less than 18 years of age regardless of the cause of death. The Guidance is for all healthcare professionals caring for children as well as senior leaders who commission, provide or regulate children’s services. It does not aim to be prescriptive but instead sets out a framework of expectations that intends to be flexible and proportionate. Its essential building blocks will be familiar to practising paediatricians: notification, investigation, review and reporting. It should be regarded as a key pillar in the hospital’s governance program.