Protecting children and young people; the responsibilities of all

doctors

GMC guidance July 2012

Dr Tara Jones, named GP for safeguarding children, NHS Surrey

Guidance to all medical practitioners in UK

Separate short guidance issued additionally to all GPs

Emphasising particular insight that GPs have into a family, and special role in identifying/protecting children at risk….

BUT…..

….also identifies challenges in balancing duty of care

Key areas of guidance

Identification of children at risk, or suffering, abuse or neglect

- Awareness of risk factors- Responsibility to child even when working

with adult- Early identification and action- Working knowledge of local procedures- Role of named/designated professionals as

source of advice

Communication and support

- Listen and talk directly to children/young people

- Take their views and concerns seriously

- Communicate openly and honestly with parents; unless greater risk in doing so.

- Discuss concerns and the actions you will take as a result

Working in partnership

- Understand and respect roles of other agencies and professionals

- Be clear about your own role and responsibilities

- Effective systems for communication- Contacts; who and how?- MUST cooperate fully with child protection

procedures

- (West Sussex and Surrey GP conference pro-forma)

Confidentiality and information sharing

- Prompt referral if concerns (or appropriate advice)

- Seek consent unless compelling reason not to do so

- BUT do not delay disclosing if risk of significant harm

- Responsibility to consider requests promptly and seriously

- Confidentiality is not an absolute duty

Keeping records

- Concerns and actions clearly documented

- Justify what decision was made and why

- Storage and access to records (including case conference reports)

- Paragraph 58 main guidance!

Training and development

- Must develop and maintain knowledge and skills appropriate to your role

- Involvement in audit, case discussion, peer review

- Learning from others (multi-disciplinary)- Role of named and designated

professionals in supporting training/development