Trust safeguarding event highlights importance of the safety and welfare of very young children

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust Safeguarding Team and the Hartlepool and Stockton Safeguarding Children Partnership delivered a safeguarding event on 27 February to leaders and managers from health, police, CCG and social care.

The event examined the Bruising in Non-Mobile Babies Pathway to around 30 delegates from across Hartlepool and Stockton. Ensuring staff from across all agencies understand the requirements of the pathway. Also, how to consistently apply this when managing cases that involve immobile babies that may present to staff across agencies with suspected bruising.

Rachael Mcloughlin, Named Nurse Safeguarding Children, said: “We think it’s been a really successful day for everyone who has taken part. It was good to see representatives from across Hartlepool and Stockton. They were keen to discuss and update their knowledge around the Bruising in Immobile Babies procedures.

“It’s really vital that we have ongoing multi-disciplinary team working. That we are all aware of the importance of safeguarding. As well as, consistency in tackling the safety and welfare of this vulnerable group of children.”

The half-day event was held at the Hartlepool Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). It was led by Trust speakers Named Nurse Safeguarding Children Rachael Mcloughlin. Community Paediatric Consultant and Named Doctor Dr Shashwat Saran and Safeguarding Children Trainer Wendy Murdoch. As well as Leanne Stockton Business Manager from the Safeguarding Partnership.

Rachael added “Feedback on the day has been positive. We’re hoping that further post-event feedback will help shape further improvements, improve knowledge and ensure consistency across all agencies when using the procedure”.

Related article links

• Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
• Safeguarding Children Service
• Hartlepool and Stockton Safequarding Partnership