TO PROVIDE THE VERY BEST CARE FOR EACH PATIENT ON EVERY OCCASION Child Protection An information guide
Child Protection Why do we have to safeguard children and young people? We have a legal obligation in-line with the Children Act 1989 described in the document Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2015), that if somebody believes or suspects that a child may be suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, then they should always refer their concerns to the Local Authority Children s Social Care Service. What will happen? All Trust employees have a duty to follow national guidelines and the Trust s safeguarding policies in order to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. When a concern arises, wherever possible, we will inform you of the nature of our concerns and any action we plan to take. This might include: admission to hospital and arranging tests such as x-rays, blood tests and a skeletal survey. This may be a long process and it is advisable to be prepared by ensuring you have any personal belongings that your child may need, for example nappies, dummies or favourite toy staff may need to speak to your child on his/her own you may be asked the same questions by different professionals. This is because it is vital to get a detailed understanding of all aspects of your child s care and ensure all information is fully understood by all concerned. Where necessary an interpreter will be asked to help. 2
What will Children s Social Care Services do after a referral has been made? Children s Social Care have a duty to make enquiries once they have received a referral. Their role is to gather together information and make their own assessment of whether a child is in need or has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, significant harm. This will involve a social worker contacting you and your family. They will keep you informed about the steps that will be taken next. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the health and welfare of children. We have a statutory responsibility to follow and contribute to the child protection process. If you would like to contact us to make us aware of any way that you feel we could better support families please write to: Assistant Director of Nursing (Safeguarding) Room 147, Trust Head Quarters, North Manchester General Hospital Delauyneys Road Crumpsall, Manchester, M8 5RB. Tel: 0161 918 4420 3
Involving other professionals and agencies The staff who are caring for your child have a duty to provide/share information about their concerns to different professionals. The professionals we contact will depend on the nature of the concern. If we feel a child is at risk, or likely to be at risk, of significant harm the information will be shared with local authority Children s Social Care, GP and other health professionals including your health visitor and/or school nurse. It may also be necessary to disclose information to the police and in some instances that information may be used as evidence in court. We recognise this is a very difficult time for you. You should feel free to ask questions and to talk to staff for advice and support. You can get support and answers to any questions that you may have from the professionals involved with you and your family such as: Consultant Paediatrician Doctors GP Nurses Midwife Health visitors School health advisor Social services Please do not be worried about asking for help and support. 4
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If English is not your frst language and you need help, please contact the Ethnic Health Team on 0161 627 8770 Jeżeli angielski nie jest twoim pierwszym językiem i potrzebujesz pomocy proszę skontaktować się z załogą Ethnic Health pod numerem telefonu 0161 627 8770 For general enquiries please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0161 604 5897 For enquiries regarding clinic appointments, clinical care and treatment please contact 0161 624 0420 and the Switchboard Operator will put you through to the correct department / service Date of publication: July 2011 Date of review: September 2015 Date of next review: September 2018 Ref: PI_C_670 The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests www.pat.nhs.uk