Speaking today, Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said:

"We warmly congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister.

"His commitment to 'put the care of people at the heart of everything' his government does is hugely encouraging. We hope this includes taking the opportunity to better support families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness, whose needs are Invariably overlooked. 

"When people think about children's palliative care, they often think of hospitals and hospices. While these services are essential, they are only part of the picture. Families also need practical and emotional support, the essential components of children's social palliative care which are so often forgotten.  This care, which Rainbow Trust has been providing for forty years, helps families care for their child, support brothers and sisters, stay in work where possible and navigate complex health and care systems. 

"We look forward to working with the new Government to ensure children’s social palliative care is recognised and included in policy and decision making so that no family faces life-threatening or terminal illness alone."