‘All children and young people in Scotland have the right to be cared for and protected from harm and to grow up in a safe environment in which their rights and needs are respected. The welfare of children is paramount’
Scottish Executive 2004
NHS Grampian have a strong commitment to work with all relevant partner agencies to maximise children and young people’s full potential. We will work together to protect them from physical or emotional harm. We will ensure that Child Protection is a high priority at all levels across our organisation. We believe that all children should be:
- Safe
- Healthy
- Achieving
- Nurtured
- Active
- Respected
- Responsible
- Included
Social Work, Health, Police, Education and Voluntary Services work together to help keep children and young people safe and to ensure they reach their potential.
We take action to make sure children and young people are protected by:
- Offering support to children, young people and families when needed
- Putting plans in place to prevent children being exposed to risk
The NHS Grampian Child Protection Team, is a team of specially trained Children’s doctors (Paediatricians) and Child Protection Specialist Nurses who work alongside Health staff to ensure children and safe, healthy and happy.
- We accept referrals from NHS professionals, Police and Social Work for children and young people who may have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
- We take part in Child Protection Interagency Discussions with Police and Social Work to help protect children and young people at risk of harm.
- We undertake medical examinations of children and young people when these are needed.
- We are involved in supporting discharge planning meetings with families for children and young people admitted to the hospital when child protection concerns have been raised.
- We may also attend Child Protection Planning Meetings or Court Proceedings for Children and Young People, where we have been involved in their assessment.
We operate a 24/7 service for child protection referrals and advice. Medical examinations normally occur during the daytime unless there is an urgent need to do an examination overnight. Any child or young person who is seriously injured or unwell will be admitted to the hospital for urgent medical care.
The NHS Grampian Child Protection Team follows the latest Scottish Government Guidance and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health evidence-based guidelines for child protection. NHS Grampian has a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards violence and harassment of its staff. Any person who behaves in a threatening or violent manner towards a member of NHS Grampian staff will be reported to Police and escorted from the premises.
Concerned about a child?
Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. If you have concerns about the safety of a child or young person while visiting any NHS Grampian site, please speak to a member of staff who can contact the NHS Grampian Child Protection Team.
If you are a member of the public and have concerns about any child or young person, please contact:
- Your local Social Work duty team:
- Aberdeen City, Tel. 01224 070807
- Aberdeenshire, Tel. 01467 537111
- Moray, Tel. 01343 554370
- Police: Tel. 999 in an emergency or Tel. 101 for a non-emergency)
- The NSPCC helpline: Tel. 0808 800 5000
You can report a concern or seek advice in confidence.