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Responsibilities
We all have a responsibility to ensure children and young people are safe and well cared for. If anyone has concerns about a child or young person being harmed or being exposed to harm, they have a duty to act on their concerns.
Frimley Health Professionals
The hospital may be informed of concerns by other agencies, and we have a legal duty to respond to these concerns. All staff at Frimley Health are trained to follow the hospital safeguarding procedures and liaise with the hospital safeguarding team.
The Hospital Safeguarding Team and Children’s Department
The team at Frimley Health have expert knowledge in safeguarding children. The team consists of paediatricians and specialist nurses. We work closely with other professionals such as GPs, Health Visitors, school nurses, children’s social care, police, and other specialities within our hospital.
Child Protection Medical Examinations
A child protection medical is usually requested by Children’s social care; however, this can be requested by multiple organisations as described above. The purpose of this medical assessment is to review the information given and examine the child or young person. The person with parental/ legal responsibility will be asked to give consent. In some cases, the young person can give their own consent.
The doctor will usually ask the parent about all aspects of your child’s health. These questions may include:
- The current concerns about your child.
- Birth history and any past medical problems.
- Immunisations, Drug treatments or allergies.
- Your child’s development, behaviour, and school progress.
- The wider family and their medical history.
- The family circumstances and who lives at home.
This examination will always be in a private area and is usually a designated outpatient clinic or if clinically indicated on the children’s ward. A parent/guardian, doctor and nurse chaperone will usually be present for the examination.
The medical examination and processes may take up to two hours or sometimes this may be longer if necessary. This is primarily because doctors may be dealing with emergencies. However, the nurse in charge will update you of any time delay. Please ask if you have not been informed.
Your child will have a full general examination (from top to toe). The doctor will need to document any marks/bruises or injuries on a body map. Any marks/bruises may need to be measured using a tape measure. This may take some time to complete but it is important that the examination is thorough and accurate. If it is necessary to have photographs taken, consent will be obtained.
The paediatrician will take the lead role in examining your child and recommending if any further investigations are needed. This might include
- Blood tests
- Examination of the eyes by a specialist Ophthalmologist,
- A skeletal survey - x-rays are taken of the head, chest, spine, pelvis, arms, and legs. It is usual practice if a first skeletal survey is done a second follow up skeletal is done 10-14 days later.
- If child is under 2-year-old a CT or MRI head scan depending on if clinically indicated
The doctor will talk to you about any tests that are needed.
A child protection medical is only one part of the overall enquiry. This may not answer all concerns. Information will be shared with other professionals within a multi-agency discussion called a strategy meeting.
Refusal of Consent
If a parent/ guardian or young person refuses permission for the medical examination to take place the hospital staff must inform children’s social care. It is likely that they will seek legal advice as the child’s welfare must come first. Children’s social care and the Police have a duty to think about the immediate safety of the child. They may seek an order from the court giving them permission to interview or examine the child without parental/guardian consent.
All children, regardless of background, cultural and religious beliefs, should be entitled to care which protects their welfare and keeps them safe.
This includes:
- Being treated with respect
- Being given clear explanations
- Having decisions explained
- Being listened to
- Being offered appropriate advice and support
Remaining on the ward
It may be the case that your child remains in hospital until the best way forward is decided. A strategy meeting may be held where each service shares all information. The social worker will then inform you of the next steps. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with an appropriate member of staff, such as the paediatrician or nurse in charge of the ward.
Children Services MASH Useful Contacts:
Slough: 01753 875362
Windsor and Maidenhead: 01628 683150
Buckinghamshire: 08454 600001
Bracknell Forest: 01344 351582
Surrey: 03004 709100
Hampshire: 03005 551384
NSPCC: Freephone 08 800 500008
ChildLine: Freephone 0800 1111
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Paediatrics service.
About this information
Service:
Paediatrics
Reference:
P/054
Approval date:
1 September 2025
Review date:
1 September 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.