Safeguarding

Safeguarding children, young people and adults is a statutory duty and staff at Medway NHS Foundation Trust are expected to be able to recognise and respond appropriately when a child, young person or adult may need support.

The Trust has named professionals for safeguarding children, adults and maternity services to promote a culture of safeguarding, incorporating a ‘Think Family’ approach. There are robust policies in place for staff to follow if they have any safeguarding concerns.

The Trust works in partnership with a range of statutory, health and voluntary agencies, including the local authority, police, education and the wider health economy to help prevent abuse or neglect and promote the health and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults.

In addition, there is partnership working with Medway Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (MSCP), Kent Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (KSCP) and Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adult Board (KMSAB) to make sure effective arrangements are in place to safeguard children, young people and adults.

Six principles of safeguarding

Empowerment - Supporting people to make their own decisions. To listen to their wishes and feelings and promote independence.

Prevention - To support children, young people and adults at the earliest opportunity, to ensure the right support at the right time.

Proportionate - To ensure the response from Medway NHS Foundation Trust is appropriate to the risk presented.

Protect - To protect children, young people and adults from harm and support Medway NHS Foundation Trust staff to work together with partners to reduce the presenting risks.

Partnership - Working in partnership with local services and contributing to local policy development.

Accountability - Transparency in safeguarding practice and promoting a learning environment.