Board Assurances

Delivering Single Sex Accommodation Declaration of Compliance


NHS Constitution.

The NHS belongs to all of us. The NHS Constitution brings together in one place for the first time, everything staff, patients and the public can expect from their NHS.

The NHS Constitution was published in January 2009. It was one of a number of recommendations in Lord Darzi’s report ‘High Quality Care for All’ which was published on the 60th anniversary of the NHS and set out a ten-year plan to provide the highest quality of care and service for patients in England.

As well as capturing the purpose, principles and values of the NHS, the Constitution also brings together a number of rights, pledges and responsibilities for staff and patients alike. These rights and responsibilities are the result of extensive discussions and consultations with staff, patients and public and it reflects what really matters to them.

Directors and senior managers of NHS North Lincolnshire have conducted an assessment of compliance with each of the Rights and duties described within the NHS Constitution.

The assessment clearly indicates an overall picture of compliance. It identified four areas where further local actions were needed in order to ensure robust compliance going forward. To make sure this happens, progress will be monitored on a bi-monthly basis at the Directors’ Business Meeting and formal reporting to the Board will be delivered twice yearly through the Integrated Governance Committee.

This assessment can be read in full here

Safeguarding Children Assurance Statement

In July 2009, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published a report outlining the findings from their review of the arrangements in place within the NHS for safeguarding children.

In response to these findings, NHS North Lincolnshire has reviewed its arrangements for safeguarding children and is assured that these arrangements are robust and, in particular, can confirm that:-

•    The Trust meets the statutory requirement of carrying out Criminal Record Bureau checks on relevant employees

•    Child protection policies and systems are up to date and robust, including a process for following up children who miss appointments and for flagging children for whom there are safeguarding concerns

•    All staff working in health care settings (clinical and non clinical) have undertaken level 1 safeguarding training, either instructor led or via e learning, and a training plan is in place for staff that require more in depth training e.g. levels 2 or 3

•    Named and Designated professionals are clear about their roles and have sufficient time and support to undertake them. Agreement has been made to enhance capacity within the Designated professionals roles.

•    The Director of Engagement & Partnerships (Executive Nurse) is the Board level lead for safeguarding.

•    The Board reviews safeguarding arrangements on a regular basis and receives an annual report on both commissioning and provision safeguarding children.

•    The Board is assured that robust audits are in place to ensure safeguarding systems and processes are functioning effectively

•    NHS North Lincolnshire has robust performance monitoring systems in place for all providers, including the independent sector, in relation to safeguarding and ensures that GP practices and staff have robust systems and practices in place to ensure they can fulfil their role in safeguarding children.

NHS North Lincolnshire takes it responsibilities for safeguarding seriously and would want to assure the public and service users, through the publication of the above declaration, that the arrangements in place are robust and meet all statutory and good practice requirements.

Allison Cooke
Chief Executive
October 2009

If you think a child is being abused, contact Children's Services on 01724 296500 and ask to speak to the duty social worker. Staff are available to take calls on this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can make your call anonymously if you want. But it is much more useful if you will give your name, or at least a contact phone number.

You can e-mail childprotectionteam.shs@northlincs.gov.uk. If you do this, please make sure you provide enough information for a member of staff to contact you to discuss your concerns.
You can also call the police at any time.