Welcome to the Safeguarding Children section of this website. NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent is committed to safeguarding children and expects that all independent contractors and their staff are able to meet their statutory responsibilities.
This section provides information on the responsibilities of organisations, employers and individual professionals. It provides guidance on what to do if you are concerned about a child. The website also has useful links in relation to safeguarding children.
Training pack to help safeguard adults and children
A new training pack has been developed to enable GP practices to train their own staff in adult and child safeguarding.
Key Principles for all Health services
The safety and the health of a child are intertwined aspects of their wellbeing. Many ‘health’ interventions also equip a child to stay safe.
All organisations commissioning or providing healthcare, whether in the NHS or third sector, independent healthcare sector or social enterprise, should ensure there is board level focus on the needs of children and that safeguarding children is an integral part of their governance systems.
Additional guidance on responsibilities can be found in the document
'Working Together to Safeguard Children'.
Key Guidance to Health Professionals
(working in health service providers in both the NHS and independent healthcare settings)
All health professionals working directly with children and young people should ensure that safeguarding and promoting their welfare forms an integral part of all elements of care they offer. Other health professionals who come into contact with children, parents and carers in the course of their work also need to be fully informed about their responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
This is important as even though a health professional may not be working directly working with the child, they may be seeing their parent, carer or other significant adult and have knowledge which is relevant to the child’s safety and welfare. It is the responsibility of all health professionals to know what to do if they have concerns about a child.
Top tips
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The welfare of the child is paramount – children cannot defend themselves.
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Sharing information on concerns can prevent children from harm.
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Histories are vital, include the nature of the injury, where did it happen (i.e. at home, school), and who was with the child. It must be recorded (include a body map where necessary).
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Talk to the child and listen (record what is said). What is the child’s appearance telling you?
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It is not your role to investigate, but to recognise and refer.
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Discuss your concerns with the parents unless it puts the child or yourself at further risk.
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Children can be abused in any section of our society
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Consult with a named nurse or doctor for child protection or social services if you are not sure.
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Delay in referral may leave a child at further risk of harm or even death.
