The Paediatric Emergency Department that I am in charge of deals with high volumes and challenging safeguarding cases on a daily basis.
To help the staff in the department deal with the demands of safeguarding I have implemented regular Child Protection Clinical Supervision, this happens every eight weeks in the team meetings. I have been fully trained in the above skill in City University. I use clinical supervision to maintain and improve high standards of patient care and the expansion of practice and it allows me as a manager to encourage self-assessment, analytical and reflective skills in my staff deepening their understanding and encourages them to develop new skills in the field of Child Protection.
By having these regular sessions it reduces occupational stress and increases job satisfaction. The staff has found regular supervision very helpful it allows them time to explore cases further using the Signs of Safety tool. It provides a platform for discussion on how cases should be dealt with in different ways the positive aspects as well as giving an opportunity for exploring ways of coping with the emotional aspects of the case.
It has made the staff more knowledgeable and has empowered them to develop skills, confidence and competence in safeguarding. The department was visited by the CCG for safeguarding and they fed back there is strong leadership in the department around safeguarding.
By implementing supervision it allows the staff to reflect and consider whether the input they provide to children and their families is appropriate and leads to the desired outcomes. The child’s needs and safety are paramount so staffs need to be highly skilled and supported in making the correct decisions and referrals so not to put the child at any further risk or failing.
Louise Evans | Senior Sister, Paediatric Emergency Department, Ground Floor, North & Central Tower | Acute and Family Services | Barts and The London NHS Trust | Tel: 0203 594 0903 | Fax 0203 594 0872 | [email protected]