Sydenham House Surgery has a statutory duty of care towards adults at risk (Care Act 2014), and towards children (Section 11 Children Act 2004) and young people at risk.  We are committed to a best practice which safeguards adults at risk, and children and young people at risk, irrespective of their background, and which recognises that a child, or adult, may be abused regardless of their age, gender, religious beliefs, racial origin or ethnic identity, culture class, disability, or sexual orientation.

Having safeguards in place within any organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of children, and young people and adults at risk, but also enhances the confidence of staff, volunteers, parents/carers and the general public. Protecting children and vulnerable people from abuse and neglect, and exploitation, preventing impairment of health and development, and ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care enables them to have optimum life chances.

Sydenham House Surgery is committed to safeguarding children, young people at risk, and adults at risk, and has a responsibility to ensure that practice staff know what to do if they encounter child or adult abuse or have concerns that they may be at risk of harm.

The practice is committed to working within agreed policies and procedures and in partnership with other agencies to ensure that the risk of harm to a child or young person, or adult at risk is minimised. This work may include direct and indirect contact with children, (access to patient’s details, communication via email, text message/phone). This partnership also includes sharing information with partner agencies and services to ensure the best interests of children are protected. While we would wish to do this with the consent of parents and/or carers wherever possible, there may be circumstances where information may need to be shared without consent.