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G177 THE EVOLUTION OF PAEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY IN THE UK
R. H. R. White.Department of Nephrology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
Specialisation in paediatric nephrology in the UK began in Glasgow in the early 1950s, arising out of research into the nephrotic syndrome. Two technical developments gave impetus to the further evolution of paediatric nephrology: (1) percutaneous renal biopsy, in 1959; and (2) haemodialysis, in the mid-1970s. These led to the establishment of regional referral services, derived initially from research, in Glasgow, Birmingham, London (Guy’s and Great Ormond Street Hospitals), and Manchester. Others followed in university based hospitals, yielding 12 tertiary referral centres in the mid-1970s, with the later addition of a thirteenth unit, taking into account population distribution and geographical factors.
The formation of the British Association for Paediatric Nephrology (BAPN), conceived in 1972 by eight paediatricians with a special interest in nephrology, and inaugurated in February 1973 with 15 members, has played a major role in shaping the services for children with renal disease, through six published reports to date, based on research and consultation, which were circulated to ministers, senior medical officers, and NHS trusts. The BAPN has also organised multi-centre research, established a registry of renal diseases in children, implemented audit and set up a mechanism, in collaboration with the RCPCH, to coordinate trainee programmes nationally. Recruitment difficulties and staff shortages are presently major concerns. Despite a current BAPN membership of 113, there is still an estimated shortfall of 29 consultants in the UK.
G178 PHYSICIAN, PHILOSOPHER, OR PAEDIATRICIAN? JOHN LOCKE AND CHILD HEALTH CARE
A. N. Williams.CDC, Northampton, UK
Summary: G.F. Stills in his History of paediatrics (1931) restricted John Locke’s (1632–1704) influence in paediatrics to pedagology and specifically his “Thoughts concerning Education” (1692/3).1 Although this is clearly an important work this view significantly limits Locke’s immense ongoing influence on paediatrics, child healthcare, and human rights which this paper now addresses.
Introduction: John …