This conference brought together different professionals involved in caring for sick children. The conference was opened by the chairman of the Children's Committee who described this committee's advisory role to the Secretary of State on development and co-ordination of health and personal social services for children. Other speakers covered the topics of preparing the nurse to work with children, both in hospital and in the community; counselling and support for nurses and patients' families; and the role of the health visitor in the paediatric unit.