GPs and safeguarding: existing shortcomings and future plans.

摘要

Concerns have been raised that GPs would not be able to prioritise child protection work if a proposal to transfer safeguarding responsibilities from primary care trusts (PCTs) and strategic health authorities to GP consortia is implemented. The proposal was outlined in a Department of Health (DH) consultation paper Achieving equity and excellence for children in preparation for the public health White Paper that is due to be published by the end of the year. However, an independent review of children's services by Professor Sir Ian Kennedy has highlighted issues that could affect the ability of GPs to safeguard children and young people.