NHS Devon: Safeguarding children training for GPs and their employed staff - Jan 10

Dr Kate Gurney
Devon LMC: NHS Devon Safeguarding Children Lead and GP Coleridge Medical Centre

Following the audit in March 2009 of safeguarding procedures for vulnerable children in GP practices, the PCT has published the results and recommendations, in anticipation of a re-audit in 2010. The biggest priority is to ensure that both GPs and their employed staff have had the necessary training for Safeguarding children. For most this is available on line via http://www.corelearningunit.nhs.uk.  All staff require annual Level 1 training, with all GPs and practice nurses completing level 2 training every 3 years. The lead GP for each practice is required to complete level 3 training with annual updates. Level 3 training is available from the Devon Safeguarding Children Board training programme which will shortly be producing a one day course specifically aimed at GPs and other senior professionals. It can be booked at http://devon.gov.uk/onlinebookings.

The audit results will be sent to individual practices, but are also published on the Safeguarding pages of LMC website - www.devonlmc.org/LSCB The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a useful tool in assessing a child at risk and on the website page above I have put a reference copy of the Assessment Triangle (produced by NHS Salford).  The four main factors that affect parenting capacity and the relationship between parent and child, are:

• Domestic Violence and Abuse
• Alcohol and substance misuse
• Adult Mental Health problems
• Previous Abuse in the family

There are exciting developments within the area of information sharing amongst professionals involved in Safeguarding and MASH (MultiAgency Safeguarding Hub) went live this month. At present the Police and CYPS (Children and Young Peoples Services) are signed up, and it is hoped that health, along with other agencies, will be bolted on within the next few months.

Attachments:

• DSCB Assessment Triangle (NHS Salford)
• DSCB Report - Results of Audit of Arrangements in GP to Safeguard Children - v4

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