Our Primary Care Team is committed to safeguarding both children and adults. The safety and welfare of everyone who comes into contact with our services—either directly or indirectly—is paramount. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that Best Practice is followed in line with Northern Ireland statutory requirements.
Our Commitment to All Patients
We are committed to practice that safeguards children, young people, and adults at risk, irrespective of their background. We recognise that any individual may experience harm or abuse regardless of their:
- Age, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Disability or health status.
- Religious beliefs, racial origin, or ethnic identity.
Working Together
The Primary Care Team works strictly within agreed regional policies and in partnership with the Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCT) and other agencies to minimise the risk of harm.
This commitment applies to all our interactions, including:
- Direct clinical care and home visits.
- Access to patient records and data.
- Communication via email, text message, or telephone.
Reporting a Concern
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or an adult, it is important to act. You can speak to any member of our clinical or administrative team, who are trained to handle these situations with sensitivity and confidentiality.
- During Surgery Hours: Speak to our Safeguarding Lead / GP.
- Outside Surgery Hours: Contact the Regional Emergency Social Work Service (RESWS) or your local Health and Social Care Trust’s Out-of-Hours service.
- Immediate Danger: If you believe someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.
Useful Regional Contacts
For Northern Ireland, the following Gateway services are available for reporting concerns directly:
| Trust Area | Children’s Gateway | Adult Protection Team |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 028 9050 7000 | 028 9504 1744 |
| South Eastern | 0300 1000 300 | 028 9250 1227 |
| Northern | 0300 1234 333 | 028 9441 3659 |
| Southern | 0800 7837 745 | 028 3756 4423 |
| Western | 028 7131 4090 | 028 8283 5959 |
Note: “Adults at Risk” in Northern Ireland specifically refers to individuals aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to issues such as mental health needs, disability, or frailty.