At the University Medical Group, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our patients is our highest priority. We are fully committed to ensuring that all children, young people, and adults at risk are protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from harm.
How We Protect Our Patients
Safeguarding is a collective responsibility. Our practice takes all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and protect people by:
- Trained Staff: All members of our team undergo regular safeguarding training. Our clinical staff are equipped to recognise the signs of abuse and respond appropriately.
- Zero-Tolerance Approach: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding all forms of abuse, violence, and neglect.
- Safer Recruitment: All staff are employed through safe recruitment processes, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.
- Partnership Working: We work closely with local authorities, social services, and other healthcare agencies to ensure concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We treat all personal information with strict confidentiality. However, there are times when we may need to share information with other partner agencies without your consent. This is only done if it is necessary to protect you or others from serious harm, or if it is required by law.
If You Are Worried About Safety
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of yourself or a patient, please speak to any member of our team and ask to speak to our Safeguarding Lead. For urgent help when it is not an emergency, you can also call 111.
For more local support:
Reporting Concerns About a Child
Child safeguarding is managed by the Children's Single Point of Access (CSPA) via Brighter Futures for Children.
- Phone: Call 0118 937 3641 (Option 1). Available Monday–Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Email: CSPOA@reading.gov.uk.
- Online: Submit details via the Brighter Futures for Children Reporting Page.
- Out of Hours (Emergencies): Call the Emergency Duty Service (EDS) at 01344 351 999.
Reporting Concerns About an Adult
Adult social care handles the safeguarding of individuals with care and support needs in the Reading Borough Council area.
- Phone: Call 0118 937 3747. Available Monday–Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Email: CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk.
- Online: Submit an abuse report or safeguarding concern using the Reading Borough Council Online Form.
- Out of Hours (Emergencies): Call the Emergency Duty Service at 01344 351 999.
Local Boards & Additional Support
- Reading Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board: Provides local strategic support. Visit the Reading SAPB Website for more information.
- Domestic Abuse: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the Berkshire Women's Aid (BWA) Helpline at 0118 950 4003