SAFEGUARDING - Everyone's responsibility

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Safeguarding at Howden Medical Centre

At Howden Medical Centre, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our priority is to protect the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults by ensuring they receive the support and protection they need. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and as a GP practice, we work closely with local services, authorities, and community organisations to identify, prevent, and respond to concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

As a GP practice, we adhere to national safeguarding policies set out by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the NHS Safeguarding Guidelines. Our team is fully trained to identify signs of abuse, respond effectively to concerns, and refer cases to the appropriate services when necessary.

We follow key safeguarding principles, including:

• Promoting the welfare of all patients –
  ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm.
• Early identification of safeguarding concerns –
  recognising signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Providing a safe and supportive environment –
  where patients feel comfortable sharing concerns.
• Working in partnership with local agencies –
  including the East Riding Safeguarding Children Partnership (ERSCP) and East Riding Safeguarding Adults Board (ERSAB).
• Ensuring robust safeguarding training –
  for all staff members to keep up to date with best practices.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

For Children and Young People:

Children may be at risk due to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other concerns. Signs that a child may be at risk include:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Frequent absences from school or health appointments.
• Extreme fearfulness, anxiety, or changes in behavior.
• Malnutrition, unclean appearance, or poor hygiene.
• A child acting as a caregiver to parents or siblings.

If you suspect a child is at risk, it is important to take action.

For Vulnerable Adults:

Vulnerable adults may be at risk due to elder abuse, financial exploitation, domestic violence, neglect, or coercion. Signs of concern include:

• Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or poor hygiene.
• Withdrawal from social interactions or community activities.
• Sudden changes in financial situation.
• Signs of fear, distress, or avoidance of certain individuals.
• Bruising, burns, or other physical injuries with no explanation.

Everyone has a Role

At Howden Medical Centre, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all patients. If you have concerns about your safety or someone else’s, please speak to a GP, nurse, or receptionist. All concerns are handled with confidentiality and sensitivity, and we will work to provide the best possible support and guidance.

If you have concerns about a child's safety, you can contact the Safeguarding and Partnership Hub (SaPH) at (01482) 395500 during office hours. For concerns about an adult, reach out to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Customer Service Centre at (01482) 393939

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a parent, friend, carer, or community member, taking action when you suspect abuse or neglect can save lives. If you see something, say something—your voice can make a difference.

Together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive community for all.