Safeguarding
Safeguarding children, young people and adults – we will support you.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding
This is defined as protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. It is fundamental to high-quality health and social care.
Adult at risk
This is a person aged 18 or over in need of care and support, or someone already receiving care and support and who, as a result, is unable to protect himself/herself from harm, abuse or neglect.
Child or young person
This is any person, male or female, under the age of 18 in need of care and support, or someone already receiving care and support and who, as a result, is unable to protect himself/herself from harm, abuse or neglect.
What to do
If you are being abused, know of someone who is being abused or think someone may be at risk, it is important that you inform the right people.
We want to reassure you that the people who you talk to will take your concerns seriously and can provide support, guidance and take action to ensure the safety of everyone.
Stonegate Medical’s Lead for Safeguarding is Dr Will Robertson and can be contacted directly at will@stonegatemedical.co.uk or via our Reception Team at Tel: 0194 631815.
Please speak to a member of staff who will help you get the help you need.
All our staff are trained in confidentiality and safeguarding.
If there is immediate danger or risk of serious harm, call the police on 999.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everybody
Types of abuse
There are many types of abuse, such as:
- Physical: Hitting, biting, shaking, pushing
- Sexual: Any sexual contact which is non-consensual
- Emotional: Humiliation, intimidation, verbal abuse
- Neglect: Ignoring or refusing basic care needs
- Self-neglect: Inability to care for oneself
- Discriminatory: Values, beliefs or culture results in a misuse of power
- Institutional: Misuse of power and lack of respect by professionals, poor practice
- Financial: Use of an individual’s funds without consent or authorisation
- Modern slavery: Includes human trafficking, servitude and forced labour These
Who can abuse?
Abuse can occur anywhere such as at home, in a care setting, hospital, college, school, in public places.
It could be from:
- Family members or friends
- Other patients or those at risk
- Young people
- Care workers or volunteers
- Professionals
- Strangers
Do not delay. If you suspect or know that someone is at risk of harm,
abuse or neglect, report it immediately.