Two of Northern Ireland’s leading children’s charities launched a report today highlighting the important role of A&E staff awareness in identifing child abuse.

At the seminar in Belfast, the NSPCC and Barnardo’s launched their report 'Child Protection Is No Accident' which surveyed senior medical staff and nurses in A&E departments in Northern Ireland regarding their role when it comes to child protection practice.

Commenting on the report, Colin Reid, Policy Advisor with the NSPCC said: "The survey found evidence that there is much good child protection practice in A&E departments.

"However, this is a busy environment and staff can be hampered by inexperience in child protection, uncertainty about accessing the Child Protection Register and in knowing who are the most appropriate other professionals from whom to seek advice."

Dr. John Glasgow, Consultant Paediatrician at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and contributor to the report added: "This is an important report with a number of key recommendations. I am pleased that it has influenced new child protection guidance published by the DHSSPS, Co-operating to Safeguard Children, particularly in relation to the roles of designated doctors and nurses who have specific child protection responsibilities."

The charities worked jointly with staff from A&E departments and the DHSSPS to produce the report.

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