Everyone has the human right to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect. Safeguarding means protecting vulnerable adults and children who are at risk and need support, and is fundamental to ensuring high-quality health and social care.
If you are concerned that someone is at risk of abuse, don’t hesitate to report your concern. You can find more support and advice about services in B&NES, including how to report concerns, on Bath and North East Somerset Council website.
People who may be particularly vulnerable to abuse include
- disabled people who have physical or sensory impairments
- people who have learning difficulties
- people who experience mental ill health
- older people
- children
- people who live in care homes
- people with acquired brain damage
- People who misuse substances
Our Safeguarding lead is Dr Vicki Collinson, deputised by Dr Peter Barton.
Every Friday meeting we discuss any safeguarding concerns that have been raised and make sure we are looking after people in the best way we can.
We all have a responsibility to look after each other in our community.
If you are concerned that someone you know is being neglected or abused you can raise a Safeguarding concern. Visit Tell us about an adult being abused or neglected | Bath and North East Somerset Council (bathnes.gov.uk)
‘Was not brought’
At Hillcrest surgery we understand that sometimes urgent situations arise and sometimes it means that booked appointments are not attended. We do appreciate it when our patients let us know prior to their appointment if they do not intend to attend it.
When adult patients do not attend their appointment it is known as a DNA (Did not attend). If patients have a DNA the surgery will often contact them to find out why the appointment was not cancelled prior, and rebook if required.
When a child does not attend an appointment we use the term ‘was not brought’. This reminds our staff and practitioners that it is the adult who is responsible for ensuring that a child receives appropriate medical care, not the child.
‘Was not brought’ prompts professionals to consider the causes and consequences of the missed appointment. This may highlight a Safeguarding concern to the GP or nurse.
We investigate when children are not brought to the surgery to ensure that we are doing our best to support children and their care givers. If you require more information about this please contact the surgery.