Child Protection: Why a Medical Examination Has Been Requested and What Happens Next

Why is this examination necessary and what needs to happen?

• A medical examination has been requested as there have been concerns raised about your child.
• The investigation will be led by either a social worker or a police officer.
• Your child will be examined by a senior children’s doctor (Paediatrician) who has special training for this work.
• Other children in the family may need to be physically examined too.
• You or your child’s permission (known as consent) will need to be given before the examination can take place. Your child can only consent if they are old enough and / or can understand what they are consenting to.
• If appropriate for your child’s age, they will be spoken to alone by the Paediatrician.

What happens next?

A nurse will take your details, your child will be weighed and their height measured.

The doctor will come and speak to you, asking about:

• any illness your child has had
• their birth
• their development
• their immunisation (jabs)
• any allergies
• any regular medication
• their behaviour and progress at school
• their day-to-day health
• the family history.

The doctor may also speak to the social worker or police officer involved in the case.

You will also have the opportunity to talk about any health concerns you may have and to ask questions about the process.

At the examination, normally only you, your child, the doctor and a nurse chaperone will be present. If anyone else needs to be involved, this will be discussed with you.

We will always seek your child’s views if they are old enough to express these.

What happens during the examination?

• Your child will have a full general examination (top to toe). If your child has any obvious injuries, these will be noted, measured and drawn into the child’s record. Photographs may also be taken of any injuries or wounds.

• If your child becomes very upset, a further discussion can then take place as to what is best to do next.

• Your child may be admitted to the children’s ward for 1 to 2 days for further investigations.

• More specific investigations / tests may need to be done. These will be discussed with you.

What happens after the examination?

• The doctor who examined your child will explain their findings to you and your child (depending on their age and understanding) as well as to the social worker and / or police officer involved.

• The doctor will then write a report which is sent to your GP and the social services / police authority involved. This report and the hospital records may be produced as evidence in court if necessary.

What if I do not agree to the medical examination?

If you or your child do not give consent to the examination and if the social worker and / or police feel an examination may be in your child’s interest, they will discuss this further with you.

If they feel it is necessary, they may seek a court order giving them permission to interview or medically examine your child, without your consent.

If your child is old enough or has enough understanding to give consent, they can do so. The doctor will decide if this is possible.

Further information

A child protection investigation can be very a stressful time for you and your family. It is important that:

• You understand what is happening
• You and your child’s views are listened to.

If necessary, you are given help and advised on the best way you and your child can be supported during this time.

Contact numbers

Social Care Teams and Emergency Duty Teams

Stockton / Hartlepool

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday)

Telephone: 01429 284284 or 01429 130080

County Durham

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 03000 267979

Darlington

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 01325 406222

EDT – Stockton / Hartlepool / Darlington

Telephone: 01642 524552

EDT – Durham

Telephone: 03000 267979

Cleveland Police

Telephone: 01642 248184

Childline

Telephone: 0800 1111

NSPCC

Telephone: 0808 800 5000 (24 hour-helpline)

Parentline Plus

Telephone: 0808 800 2222 (24-hour helpline)

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]