Information for Workers

Swindon NHS Health Care Trusts (Overview)

The NHS organisation is complex, comprising of the following Trusts

• Swindon Primary Care Trust (PCT)
• Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust
• Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
• Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust

All health care organisations have a duty under the Children Act 2004 to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

The Strategic Health Authority (SHA)

The Strategic Health Authority covers the Southwest of England with headquarters in Taunton. The role of the SHA is to work with NHS Trusts in ensuring that services provided are fit for purpose.  The remit for Safeguarding Children is currently held by Director of Nursing at the SHA. The SHA works closely with the Healthcare Commission around a number of themes including the Safeguarding agenda.

Designated Health Professionals

The Designated Nurse and Designated Doctor are the strategic leads for child protection within the health community in Swindon, both of whom are LSCB members.

It is their responsibility to ensure that robust arrangements for training and co-ordination of child protection are in place to meet Health Service responsibilities in safeguarding children. They work closely with the named professionals and over-see and advise the child protection services within and across all the Health Trusts.

Named Health Professionals

The Designated Health Professionals are supported in their role by Named Doctors and Named Nurses for Child Protection in both the PCT and Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust, as well as the Swindon Health Safeguarding Children Forum.

The Named Health Professionals can be contacted via the individual Trusts regarding child protection issues.