Safeguarding

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Nettlebed Surgery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults with care and support needs.

We believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, discrimination, violence, and harm. Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

All members of our team have a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable people and receive appropriate safeguarding training. We work closely with health, social care, education, and other agencies to help protect people who may be at risk.

Information Sharing and Confidentiality

We respect patient confidentiality and handle personal information in accordance with UK data protection legislation and NHS requirements.

However, where there are concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk, we may need to share relevant information with appropriate organisations such as social services, the police, or healthcare professionals.

Where possible, we will explain this to the individual concerned. However, consent is not always required if there is a legal safeguarding duty or a serious risk of harm.

Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Financial or economic abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Coercive or controlling behaviour
• Modern slavery
• Discriminatory abuse
• Online abuse or exploitation
• Bullying or harassment

If You Are Worried About Yourself

If you feel unsafe, are experiencing abuse, or are being harmed by someone, please speak to a member of our team. We will listen to your concerns and help you access appropriate support.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

If You Are Worried About Someone Else

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult, please tell a member of our practice team.

You can also contact:

Oxfordshire Adult & Children’s Social Care (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)

Telephone: 0345 050 7666

Emergency Children’s Social Care

Telephone: 01865 519 800

If you believe someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, call 999.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or relationship status.

Domestic abuse may include:

• Physical violence
• Threats or intimidation
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Coercive or controlling behaviour
• Sexual abuse
• Financial control
• Online or digital abuse

You do not have to face abuse alone. Support is available.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)

Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Available 24 hours a day

Men’s Advice Line

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Galop (LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Support)

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

In an Emergency

Call 999. If you cannot speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted.

Further Information

For further information about safeguarding and domestic abuse support, please visit:

• NHS safeguarding information: https://www.nhs.uk
• Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board: https://www.oscb.org.uk
• Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board: https://www.osab.co.uk
• Refuge: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the surgery and ask to speak to a clinician or member of the safeguarding team.