At our practice, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding means protecting individuals from harm, abuse or neglect and ensuring they can live safely and with dignity. All members of our team take this responsibility seriously and work together to ensure that concerns are recognised, acted upon promptly, and managed appropriately.
Safeguarding Statement:
We recognise that abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstances.
Our practice takes all safeguarding concerns seriously. We will ensure that concerns are managed appropriately, sensitively, and in line with national and local guidance. Where necessary to protect someone from harm, we may need to share relevant personal information with appropriate agencies without consent, in accordance with legal and professional responsibilities.
If you feel unsafe, are experiencing abuse, or are worried about someone else, we encourage you to speak to a member of our team. You will be listened to and supported, and we will take appropriate action to help keep people safe.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding involves:
- Protecting people from abuse, harm, or neglect
- Preventing impairment of health or development
- Ensuring people grow up or live in safe and effective care environments
- Taking action to enable the best outcomes for individuals
How We Keep Patients Safe
We have robust systems and processes in place to ensure safeguarding is part of our everyday practice:
- Trained staff: All clinical and non-clinical staff receive regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role
- Safeguarding leads: We have designated safeguarding leads within the practice who provide expert advice and support
- Clear procedures: Staff follow established policies for identifying and reporting concerns
- Information sharing: We work closely with local services, including social care, health visitors, and other professionals
- Secure record keeping: Safeguarding concerns are documented appropriately and confidentially
Raising a Safeguarding Concern
We encourage staff, patients, and carers to raise concerns if they are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult.
Our staff are trained to:
- Recognise signs of possible abuse or neglect
- Listen carefully and take concerns seriously
- Escalate concerns to safeguarding leads and external agencies when necessary
Where appropriate, we will share information with relevant safeguarding services to help protect individuals at risk.
Working with Other Agencies
Safeguarding is a multi-agency responsibility. We work in partnership with:
- Local authority safeguarding teams
- Children’s and adult social care services
- Health visitors and school nurses
- Police and other emergency services
This ensures that concerns are managed effectively and that patients receive the support they need.
Confidentiality
We respect patient confidentiality at all times. However, if we believe that someone is at risk of serious harm, we may need to share information with appropriate organisations without consent. This is always done in line with legal and professional guidance.
If You Are Worried About Someone
If you have concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, please speak to a member of our team. You can contact the practice directly, and we will ensure the concern is passed to the appropriate safeguarding lead.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.
Further Information
You can find additional information about safeguarding from:
- NHS safeguarding guidance
- NSPCC (for children and families)
- Local safeguarding partnership websites
- Home - Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership and Home - Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board
Practice Safeguarding Leads
Dr Lorna Monteith - Children's Safeguarding Lead
Dr Nicky Warren - Adult's Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for all our patients.