THE HOVE PRACTICE

Safeguarding at
Our Practice

Every person who comes through our doors deserves to feel safe, supported and seen.

Patient Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting health and wellbeing, preserving human rights and helping people live free from harm, abuse and neglect.

What we mean by safeguarding

It’s not just about reacting when something goes wrong: it’s about creating a culture where risks are anticipated and prevented, and systems and processes support early intervention.


Vulnerable patients

Safeguarding applies to everyone, but we pay particular attention to situations where someone may be more vulnerable.

  • Children and young people, under 18

  • Adults with additional care or support needs [eg disability]

  • Anyone who may find it difficult to speak up to process themselves

  • Situations of domestic abuse, neglect, exploitation or coercion


How we keep
you safe
—

Partnering to safeguard your care

We work closely with local partner agencies, such as social services, safeguarding boards, specialist services. This we means we can act quickly and collaboratively, when we spot any concerns.

Supporting our team so they can support you

Our team is trained to recognise signs of harm or distress, talk safely and sensitively, act when needed and always stay focused on patient voice and experience. We review our procedures regularly to learn and improve.

Safeguarding in practice

  • Every member of our team receives appropriate safeguarding training

  • We have a named safeguarding lead within our Practice

  • We flag patient records and follow up if additional support is required

  • We provide a safe environment from waiting areas to consultations

  • We maintain clear safeguarding policies and procedures

  • Our safeguarding steps aim to identify, share and escalate if required

Information and Confidentiality

We understand that privacy and safety are deeply connected and we keep this front of mind in everything we do.

Handling information with care

  • We only share personal / sensitive information when it is necessary to protect someone’s safety or fulfil a legal duty.

  • We follow approved guidance on record-access and proxy access to ensure that online record viewing is safe for vulnerable patients.

  • We maintain clear guidelines on redacting information in online records, if necessary to protect a patient from harm.

  • We will always aim to discuss any concern with you, where safe and appropriate, explain how information may be shared and what your rights are.

  • We keep records securely, review them regularly, and ensure our team understands the balance between confidentiality and our duty to safeguard.

Our Safeguarding Framework

Our joined up approach to training, governance and culture ensures patient safety at every stage of their care - from first contact to consultation and ongoing treatment.

Our Promise to You

We believe safeguarding isn’t just an add-on, it’s part of who we are. So we’ve carefully built a safeguarding framework into everything we do.

Annual Reviews

We hold annual reviews of our safeguarding policy and procedures, ensuring they reflect latest legislation and best practice.

Clinical Leadership

Our clinical leadership team is accountable for safeguarding and our board regularly monitors performance to ensure processes and procedures are correctly followed.

Continuous Improvement

We audit and learn from any safeguarding incidents or near-misses, promoting a culture of openness, continuous improvement and respect.

Staff Supervision

Safe recruitment and induction procedures - along with ongoing supervision of staff - all play a vital part in maintaining a trusting, safe practice environment.

If you have a concern

Safeguarding Contacts

Your voice matters and safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you, a family member or one of our patients is worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult, you have a number of options.

Anyone can refer directly to social services

Contact social services or call 999 if it’s an urgent or life-threatening situation.

If you need our support

You can speak to your Private GP or our Practice Manager, during normal Practice hours. Or you can ask to speak to our Safeguarding Lead.