1. Introduction

New Alliance Medical Suite (NAMS) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all patients, staff, and visitors. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and this policy outlines the procedures for protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and any individual working on behalf of the medical Suite.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure the safety and welfare of all patients, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Provide clear guidelines for staff to identify, report, and manage safeguarding concerns.
• Establish a clear protocol for responding to safeguarding incidents and ensuring timely intervention.
• Promote a culture of vigilance and prevention.

3. Definitions

Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to protecting the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable. It aims to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who may need support due to age, illness, mental or physical disability, or other factors making them susceptible to harm.

Children and Young People

Children and young people refer to individuals under the age of 18.

Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse: Deliberate infliction of pain or injury.
• Emotional/Psychological abuse: Actions that cause emotional distress or undermine an individual’s self-esteem.
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or behaviour.
• Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, assistance, or attention.
• Financial abuse: Misappropriation or theft of an individual’s money or belongings.

4. Safeguarding Principles

• Zero tolerance for abuse: NAMS adopts a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or neglect.
• Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to make informed choices and decisions.
• Prevention: Proactive steps will be taken to prevent abuse, including staff training and awareness.
• Proportionality: Actions taken will be proportionate to the level of risk and tailored to the needs of the individual.
• Partnership: NAMS will work in collaboration with relevant agencies, including local authorities and safeguarding boards, to ensure coordinated responses.
• Accountability: All staff members will be accountable for their actions regarding safeguarding.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding Lead

The Safeguarding Lead will be responsible for overseeing all safeguarding activities at NAMS. This includes ensuring compliance with policies, coordinating staff training, and being the primary contact for safeguarding concerns. The Safeguarding Lead will also liaise with external agencies, such as social services and the police.

All Staff

All staff, whether clinical or non-clinical, are responsible for:

• Recognising signs of abuse or neglect.
• Reporting concerns in accordance with the procedures outlined below.
• Attending safeguarding training sessions annually.
• Acting in the best interest of the patient at all times.

6. Training and Awareness

All staff will have undergone safeguarding training as part of their wider duties in their primary institution and will have that training refreshed every 3 years.

Training will cover:

• Recognising signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Reporting procedures.
• Legal obligations and patient confidentiality.
• Understanding the vulnerability of certain patient groups.

7. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Staff should be vigilant and aware of possible indicators of abuse, including:

• Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or bite marks.
• Emotional abuse: Withdrawal, fearfulness, or sudden changes in behaviour.
• Sexual abuse Inappropriate sexual knowledge, behaviour, or physical signs.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical issues, or frequent absences from appointments.

8. Reporting Procedures

1. Immediate Action

If a staff member suspects that a patient is at immediate risk of harm, they must:

1. Ensure the safety of the patient.
2. Report the concern to the Safeguarding Lead or deputy as soon as possible.
3. Record the incident in detail, including observations, actions taken, and relevant patient details.

2. Non-Immediate Concerns

For non-immediate concerns:

1. Notify the Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours.
2. Record the incident in detail, including observations, actions taken, and relevant patient details.
3. The Safeguarding Lead will review the concern and decide on appropriate actions, including whether to involve external agencies.

4. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Patient confidentiality must be maintained at all times. However, safeguarding concerns override confidentiality in cases where an individual is at risk of harm. All safeguarding records will be securely stored and only accessible by those who need to know. Records will be kept in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

5. Partnerships with External Agencies

NAMS will maintain strong working relationships with local safeguarding authorities, social services, the police, and other relevant organisations. In cases where an external agency is needed, the Safeguarding Lead will coordinate the referral process and ensure proper documentation is in place.

6. Handling Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation of abuse or neglect is made against a member of staff:

1. The Safeguarding Lead must be notified immediately.
2. An internal investigation will be initiated, and the member of staff may be suspended during the investigation.
3. External agencies, such as the local safeguarding board or the police, may be contacted if necessary.
4. The outcome of the investigation will determine any further actions, including disciplinary measures or referral to professional bodies.

5. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to raise concerns about any safeguarding issues without fear of reprisal. NAMS will provide support to any whistleblowers and ensure confidentiality. All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

6. Monitoring and Review

The Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed tri-annually, or sooner if there are changes in relevant legislation or guidance. The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for ensuring the policy remains current and effective.

7. Conclusion

New Alliance Medical Suite is committed to safeguarding all patients, especially vulnerable individuals, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. By following this policy, all staff will contribute to creating a safe and protective environment within the medical facility.