More children were referred to paediatricians in 2006 compares with 1988. Services worked more efficiently, with better attendance, access and time to treatment. We provide information on changes in case mix that is not available elsewhere. This population-based study thus gives a unique insight into changes in referrals to UK general paediatricians.

While concern about the age at orchidopexy has been highlighted in many previous studies, this is the first to show that improvement in the age at orchidopexy can be achieved. Implementing locally agreed guidelines with written information to GPs and parents combined with computerized recall from Child Health System records achieved the target within 3 years. Similar systems could be implemented nationally at minimal cost.

No abstract

This population-based study gives a unique insight into the epidemiology of referrals to community paediatricians in the UK in 2006 and how these differ from those recorded in a different UK district in 1998.

LaFontaine has asked me to point out that she distinguishes bemeen 'satanic' and 'ritual' abuse by the relative significance of the rite in carrying out the abuse and not by reference to a relative belief in Satan, as suggested in the Editorial in question.