Doctors to be trained in spotting child abuse

Doctors are to be trained in managing suspected cases of child abuse in a new scheme launched today.

The course, which was produced by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the NSPCC and the Advanced Life Support Group, will be the first nationwide course to train doctors to recognise and respond to possible cases of child abuse.

The government-funded scheme will be rolled out to all doctors who are training in paediatrics, as well as made available to GPs and doctors working in accident and emergency departments.

The course consists of a day-long intensive course and is supported by an interactive DVD and training pack which uses interactive slides, case histories and practical examples, which will help doctors to be more aware of possible cases of abuse when undertaking routine examinations.

Until now, child protection training has varied across the country and was not mandatory. However, now every paediatrician will have to take a recognised child protection course as part of their training and it is eventually hoped that everyone studying paediatrics will take the course too.

NSPCC director Enid Hendry said: "Our aim is to support doctors. Deciding to report possible child abuse can be a very difficult judgement call, but it could be the child's only chance of intervention.

"Paediatricians are often the best placed professional to notice signs such as old fractures and unusual bruising."

RCPCH president-elect, Dr Patricia Hamilton said: "Doctors are a crucial link in the child protection chain and we want to do everything possible to enable them to recognise and respond to possible cases of abuse appropriately. The training course is designed to be beneficial to trainees and experienced doctors alike."

(KMcA)