Safeguarding - EMED Group

Every day, EMED colleagues support patients and service users who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, mental health needs, communication barriers or personal circumstances.

We believe everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and plays an important role in helping us deliver safe, compassionate and person-centred care.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights and ensuring they can live free from abuse, neglect and harm.

It involves recognising when someone may be at risk, responding appropriately and sharing concerns with the right organisations so that support and protection can be provided.

Who do we safeguard?

Our safeguarding responsibilities apply to:
• Children and young people
• Adults at risk
• Older people
• People living with dementia
• People with learning disabilities
• Neurodivergent people
• People experiencing mental ill health
• Victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation
• Family members and carers

Think Family

EMED adopts a 'Think Family' approach to safeguarding. This recognises that children, adults and families do not exist in isolation. The wellbeing of one person can often affect others around them. By considering the wider family context, we can better identify risks, provide appropriate support and work with partner organisations to help keep people safe.

Find out more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at EMED

Our approach

Our colleagues are trained to recognise signs that someone may be at risk of harm and to take appropriate action when concerns arise. This may include concerns relating to:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Domestic abuse
• Modern slavery
• Financial abuse
• Self-neglect
• Exploitation
• Radicalisation
• Human trafficking
EMED does not investigate safeguarding concerns directly. Our role is to identify concerns, respond appropriately and ensure information is shared with the relevant agencies so that action can be taken.

Working together to keep people safe

Safeguarding is most effective when organisations work together. We work closely with:
• NHS organisations
• Local authorities
• Adult Safeguarding Boards
• Safeguarding Children Partnerships
• Social care services
• Police services
• Community and voluntary organisations
• Other healthcare providers By sharing information appropriately and working collaboratively, we help ensure people receive the protection and support they need.

Safeguarding during patient transport

Transport can be a particularly vulnerable part of a person’s healthcare journey.

Our colleagues are often in a unique position to identify concerns that may not be visible to other professionals.

Whether supporting a patient attending dialysis, travelling to a hospital appointment, accessing mental health services or returning home after treatment, we remain alert to situations where somebody may be at risk and take appropriate action where concerns arise.

Dedicated Incident Reporting Line

To strengthen our safeguarding approach, EMED has introduced a dedicated Incident Reporting Line.

Based within our Shrewsbury contact centre, the service is managed by colleagues trained in safeguarding and incident management.

The Incident Reporting Team provides:

• A safe and confidential reporting route • Advice and guidance for colleagues • Timely escalation of concerns • Support for vulnerable patients • Oversight of safeguarding-related incidents This helps ensure concerns are addressed promptly and consistently across our services.

Creating an inclusive culture

Effective safeguarding requires understanding, empathy and respect. EMED is committed to promoting equality, inclusion and awareness across our organisation. This includes helping colleagues recognise unconscious bias and ensuring every patient is treated with dignity, compassion and respect, regardless of their background, circumstances or personal characteristics.

Training and development

All EMED colleagues receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role. Training reflects current legislation, national guidance and best practice, helping colleagues recognise concerns, understand their responsibilities and respond appropriately.

How to raise a safeguarding concern

If you believe a child, young person or adult may be at risk of abuse, neglect or harm, please contact us immediately.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised by:
• Colleagues
• Patients and service users
• Family members and carers
• Healthcare professionals
• Partner organisations
• Members of the public

If someone is in immediate danger, always contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Find out more about our Accessible Information Standard

Our commitment

Go to Feedback and Complaints

We are committed to creating an environment where people feel safe, respected and supported.

By working together with patients, families, colleagues and partner organisations, we can help protect those at risk and ensure safeguarding remains central to the care we provide.