We call on the Government to make it a legal requirement for absent parents to present themselves if requested by a medical professional, for medical history or a blood sample if it can benefit the living child in determining why the child is so unwell.

For some children who are unwell genetic testing is required to help medical professional establish the issue. I do not think it is right for absent parents to not present themselves for such testing or to disclose medical history when it can benefit the child’s health. This should therefore be made a legal requirement with appropriate penalties if the absent parent does not co-operate.