Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 31 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 November 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 6 February 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Child Abuse

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to ensure that the number of doctors and nurses taking the professional lead in protecting children from abuse and neglect in their area does not fall following the merger of primary care trusts.

Answer: Any merger of primary care trusts (PCTs) will not affect their duties in ensuring that staff, and staff in services contracted by PCTs, are trained to be alert to potential indicators of abuse and neglect in children, know how to act on their concerns and fulfil their responsibilities in line with their local safeguarding children board procedures. PCTs should ensure establishment levels of designated professionals are proportionate to the local resident population and the complexity of provider arrangements. This is a matter for local decision.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24525; 442 c969W;442 c969W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Parliamentary Questions
Monday, 13 February 2006
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Children Abuse Doctors Health services Health professions Protection Nurses
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk