Background

In the recent report 'The Protection of Children in England: A Progress Report' March 2009, Lord Laming acknowledged that Government reforms introduced through Every Child Matters provided a firm foundation, but there now needs to be a renewed commitment to child protection at every level of government and across all local services. Lord Laming for restates the vital responsibility of NHS staff in safeguarding children.
In May, the CQC published the review of the action taken by local health bodies in the case of Baby P.
Additionally the Healthcare Commission has undertaken a major review of the NHS contribution to Children's Safeguarding and is currently analysing the data.
The SHA has asked that an assessment of readiness for implementation of Laming recommendations is a priority.

Objectives

Early indications are that the immdeiate development needs within NHS organisations are in :
• Clinical supervision
• Workload
• Training
• Commissioning - use of acute & other contracts to specify quality provision.
Drawing on existing sources of performance information (e.g. HCC) identify the high risk areas within the region.
Review the qulaity of specification of safeguarding in 2009/10 contracts to identify & support improvement where needed.
Work with the Darzi lead for safeguarding to prioritise and deliver improvement support.