A NATIONAL expert on children's health addressed North-East professionals yesterday in an effort to improve social care services for youngsters.

Professor Al Aynsley Green, national clinical director for children, spoke at a seminar at Durham Cricket Club, hosted by the Children's Foundation, to highlight the aims of the Government's National Service Framework for children.

Prof Aynsley-Green, a former head of clinical medical services at Newcastle University, outlined proposed changes for health and social care and ways in which child health organisations and support services in the region can work together.

He urged everyone working in child health to read the Government's National Service Framework and the Every Child Matters publication to understand the political context for children's services.