Safeguarding Policy

Emerald MedToMe is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all patients, including children, young people and adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Every clinician and staff member has a personal responsibility to act on safeguarding concerns.

This policy applies to all clinicians, contractors and staff working on behalf of Emerald MedToMe, both in-home and during virtual consultations. It covers safeguarding of children (under 18) and adults at risk as defined by the Care Act 2014.

We have a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for the oversight of this policy, training, and referrals. Our Lead can be contacted athelp@medtome.co.uk. Clinicians are trained to recognise signs of abuse and to follow local safeguarding board procedures for the area in which a visit takes place.

We recognise that abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, domestic abuse, modern slavery, and self-neglect. Clinicians remain alert to signs during every patient contact and document observations objectively.

Where a safeguarding concern is identified, the clinician will act immediately to ensure the person's safety, escalate to the Safeguarding Lead, and make a referral to the relevant local authority safeguarding team or, where a crime is suspected, to the police. Where there is immediate danger, 999 will be called.

All clinicians complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role at induction and refresh this at least every three years (or annually where required by their professional regulator). Training records are maintained and auditable.

We follow safer recruitment practices including enhanced DBS checks, verification of professional registration, right-to-work checks, and references. Clinician vetting status is displayed in-app and monitored for expiry.

We share safeguarding information on a need-to-know basis with local authority safeguarding teams, the police and other statutory bodies, in line with the Information sharing: advice for safeguarding practitioners guidance and UK GDPR. The duty to safeguard overrides usual confidentiality where there is a risk of harm.

Staff and clinicians are encouraged to raise concerns without fear of detriment. Concerns can be raised via help@medtome.co.uk or, where preferred, externally to the CQC or the relevant professional regulator.

This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner where guidance or legislation changes. It aligns with CQC fundamental standards (Regulation 13: Safeguarding) and RQIA expectations.