Child protection statement

Child Protection Statement & Safeguarding Protocol

Strand Medical D3

Version: 1.0
Effective date: December 2025
Review date: December 2026

1. Purpose

Strand Medical D3 is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. We recognise our responsibility to protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect, and to act appropriately on any concerns that arise in the course of clinical or administrative work.

This statement and protocol outlines how child protection concerns are identified, managed, documented, and reported in accordance with Irish law and professional guidance.

2. Legislative and Professional Context

This policy is informed by:

  • The Children First Act 2015

  • Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children

  • Professional and medico-legal guidance relevant to Irish general practice

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All GPs and GP trainees

  • Practice nurses

  • Administrative and reception staff

  • Medical students, observers, locums, and contractors

All staff have a responsibility to be alert to child protection concerns.

4. Definition of a Child

For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as any person under 18 years of age, excluding a person who is or has been married.

5. Principles

Child protection practice at Strand Medical D3 is guided by the following principles:

  • The best interests of the child are paramount

  • Early recognition and proportionate response are essential

  • Reasonable concerns must be acted upon

  • Confidentiality does not override child protection obligations

  • Decisions and actions must be clearly documented

6. Recognition of Child Protection Concerns

Staff should remain alert to possible indicators of abuse or neglect, including but not limited to:

  • Physical injuries inconsistent with explanation

  • Developmental delay or failure to thrive

  • Emotional or behavioural indicators

  • Concerning disclosures by a child or third party

  • Domestic violence, substance misuse, or significant parental mental illness where a child may be at risk

Proof is not required — a reasonable concern is sufficient to warrant escalation.

7. Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

In line with Children First guidance, Strand Medical D3 has a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) responsible for child protection reporting.

Designated Liaison Person:
Dr Mark Murphy - Principal and Partner in practice

Deputy DLP:
Dr Irene McDonnell - Principal and Partner in practice

The DLP provides advice, supports staff, and liaises with statutory services.

8. Internal Escalation Procedure

  1. Any staff member with a child protection concern must report it promptly to the DLP

  2. Non-clinical staff should not investigate concerns independently

  3. The DLP considers the concern and determines appropriate action

  4. Urgent concerns are acted upon without delay

9. Reporting to Statutory Authorities

Where a concern meets the threshold of a reasonable concern, the DLP will make a report to:

  • Tusla

Reports are made using the appropriate reporting mechanisms and within recommended timeframes.

In cases of immediate risk, An Garda Síochána or emergency services may be contacted.

10. Consent and Information Sharing

  • Where appropriate and safe, parents or guardians are informed of concerns and proposed referrals

  • Consent is sought where possible

  • Lack of consent does not prevent reporting where a child’s safety is at risk

  • Only relevant and proportionate information is shared

11. Documentation

All child protection concerns and actions must be:

  • Clear, factual, and contemporaneous

  • Based on observed facts, disclosures, or clinical findings

  • Free from speculation or unsubstantiated opinion

  • Dated, timed, and attributed

Records should clearly reflect decision-making and rationale.

12. Training and Awareness

  • GPs maintain child protection competence through continuing professional development

  • Staff receive child protection awareness training as part of induction and ongoing education

  • Students and observers are briefed on safeguarding expectations

13. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation or concern relating to a member of staff will be managed in accordance with national guidance and professional obligations, with appropriate escalation and documentation.

14. Review and Governance

  • This policy is reviewed annually or following a significant child protection incident

  • Learning points are discussed within the practice where appropriate

  • The practice is committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding practice