This protocol was established in September 2004 in response to the Laming Recommendation following the enquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie.
This protocol was negotiated between B&NES, Wiltshire and Somerset, social service departments to create a central place for Child protection referrals. All reports of concern regarding a child presented at the RUH will be managed within the, B&NES: Disabled Children’s team, for the purposes of health service staff also known as the Children’s Social Work Team, based at the Forbes Frazer unit at the RUH. This is an on site service and it is anticipated that this arrangement will provide a prompt and consistent service during office hours.
Outside of office hours the existing arrangements for emergency duty cover apply (as described in the attached document)
A laminated crib sheet was circulated to all hospital services to explain this new procedure.
The details are attached to this document.
The local authorities involved in this arrangement have agreed to take over the investigation of child protection concerns within 2 hours of receiving a referral.
All children in need referrals will be shared with the relevant local authority in accordance with existing arrangements.
All children in need who are admitted to the wards who require a social work service will be referred to the Children’s Social Work Team if they are resident in B&NES.
All staff are encouraged to share information to ensure that children are safeguarded from harm and where uncertainty exists, to discuss further the merits of the circumstances with the identified professionals outlined in the accompanying document
Bichard
Young people below the age of 16 years who are referred to the RUH for a termination should be offered the opportunity for a social work service and an initial assessment. The purpose of this would be to consider the circumstances of their pregnancy and issues of consent and what other forms of support they may require.
In accordance with Bichard (the enquiry into the conviction of Ian Huntley for the murder of two school girls), an initial assessment would provide an opportunity to consider if the young woman was the subject of unlawful sexual intercourse and if there is an issue of sexual assault or exploitation.
ROYAL UNITED HOSPITAL
CHILD PROTECTION PROTOCOL
RUH staff member has concerns
If any member of staff has a Child Protection concern, the have a duty to share their concern with their line manager and Social Services
- Contact on-call Paediatric Registrar – bleep 7205 (out of hours bleep – 7202) who will liaise with Paediatric Consultant on call
OR
Contact Beverley Boyd, Paediatric Clinical Manager (bleep 7154)
It would be the responsibility of the Duty Social Worker to make enquires of the Child Protection Register. However there is also the facility for you to make these enquiries.
A&E staff to continue to check the Child Protection Register
For enquiries to Child Protection Register:-
- Bath and North East Somerset: Tel: 01225 396298
- Wiltshire CPR Tel: 01225 713950
- Somerset CPR Tel: 01823 355221
Referral Process to Social Services
- During office hours: 8.30-5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30-4.30pm on Fridays
All referrals to RUH Children’s Social Work Team Ext: 5305
- Out of Hours – Referrals to Emergency Duty Teams
Children living in B&NES Tel: 01454 615165
Children living in Wiltshire Tel: 0845 6070888
Children living in Somerset Tel: 01458 253241
The Hospital Social Work Duty Officer is available for informal advice during office hours on Ext: 5305