At Latchford Medical Centre we work hard to keep people safe from harm, abuse or neglect. Everyone who works here has completed Safeguarding training up to to level 2 and above and takes their safeguarding responsibilities seriously.
Our Safeguarding Lead is Dr Fiona Davies. When she is away, another GP will cover her role with support from the safeguarding team.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting people from harm, abuse, or neglect.
Types of abuse can include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse
- Bullying or cyberbullying
- Financial abuse
- Criminal exploitation
- Modern slavery
- Self-neglect
Who is responsible?
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every member of staff at Latchford Medical Centre has a duty to speak up if they are worried about someone’s safety.
How we help keep people safe
We work closely with:
- Health visitors
- Midwives
- Schools and school nurses
- Mental health teams
- Hospitals
- Social care
- Police and other local services
By working together, we can help protect children and adults who may be at risk.
If we are worried about someone
If a staff member is worried that a child or adult may be unsafe, they will speak to the safeguarding lead or another GP.
We will:
- Listen carefully
- Take concerns seriously
- Explain what support is available
- Help people stay safe
- Share information with other services if needed to protect someone from harm
Whenever possible, we will ask permission before sharing information. However, we may need to share information without consent if:
- Someone is at serious risk of harm
- A child may be unsafe
- A serious crime has happened or may happen
- A court asks for information
Mental Capacity
Some adults may not be able to make certain decisions because of illness or difficulties understanding information. Healthcare professionals follow the Mental Capacity Act to help protect and support people in these situations.
Safeguarding training
All staff receive safeguarding training suitable for their role. This helps staff recognise signs of abuse or neglect and know what action to take.
If you are worried about someone
If you are worried that a child or adult is being harmed, abused, or neglected, it is important to tell someone.
Worried about a child or young person?
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you think a crime has happened, call the police on 101.
During office hours (9am–5pm)
Call Children’s Social Care (MASH): 01925 443322 Press Option 1, then Option 1
Outside office hours
Call: 01925 444400
Professionals can complete a MARS referral form here:
Warrington MARS Referral Form
You can also contact the NSPCC for advice and support.
Worried about an adult?
If an adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you think a crime has happened, call the police on 101.
During office hours (9am–5pm)
Call Adult Social Care: 01925 443322
Outside office hours
Call: 01925 444400
Professionals can make a safeguarding referral here:
Report Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult
You can also speak in confidence to any member of staff at Latchford Medical Centre.
Safeguarding Advice for Professionals
For urgent safeguarding advice, contact Warrington Social Care using the numbers above.
The Cheshire and Merseyside ICB Safeguarding Team can be contacted by email for non-urgent advice:
cheshireicbsafeguarding@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk
Useful websites