Safeguarding Statements

  • Home
  • Safeguarding Statements

  • CQC Registration Pending
    Service not yet open

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Kerala Doctors UK is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

We recognise that safeguarding is a fundamental part of safe clinical practice, particularly in remote and online healthcare settings.

We will ensure that all staff and clinicians understand their responsibilities in identifying, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.

Scope of Safeguarding

Safeguarding concerns may include (but are not limited to):

Physical abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse

Sexual abuse or exploitation

Neglect

Domestic abuse

Self-harm or suicide risk

Financial or coercive control

Modern slavery or trafficking

Vulnerability due to mental health or disability

  • Safeguarding Principles

    Our safeguarding approach is based on the following principles:

    The welfare of the patient is paramount

    Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

    Concerns will always be taken seriously

    Early identification and intervention are essential

    We will act in accordance with UK law and professional guidance

  • Clinical Responsibilities

    All clinicians working with Kerala Doctors UK will be required to:

    Recognise signs of abuse or neglect

    Assess safeguarding risk during consultations

    Escalate concerns appropriately

    Document concerns clearly in clinical records

    Follow GMC, NICE, and safeguarding guidance

    Where necessary, clinicians may pause or terminate a consultation if a safeguarding risk is identified and take appropriate action.

Training and Competency

All clinical staff will be required to complete appropriate safeguarding training, including:

Safeguarding Children (Level 3 minimum for clinicians)

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Training will be refreshed regularly in accordance with national guidance and best practice requirements.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Where a safeguarding concern is identified, clinicians may:

  • Refer to local authority safeguarding teams

  • Contact emergency services where immediate risk is identified

  • Liaise with NHS safeguarding pathways

  • Document concerns in secure clinical records

  • Escalate internally to the Clinical Lead or Nominated Individual

Emergency Situations

If there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm, clinicians will advise patients or carers to contact:

  • 999 (Emergency Services)

  • Local Accident & Emergency Department

Where appropriate, clinicians may directly initiate emergency escalation.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Patient confidentiality is respected at all times.
However, confidentiality may be overridden where:

  • There is a serious safeguarding concern

  • There is risk of harm to the patient or others

  • Disclosure is required by law

  • There is a public interest in disclosure

Any information sharing will be carried out in accordance with UK GDPR and relevant safeguarding legislation.

  • Governance and Oversight

    Safeguarding within Kerala Doctors UK will be overseen by:

    Nominated Individual

    Dr S Alex Thachankary (GMC 4750323)

    Registered Manager

    Siby Sebastian (subject to CQC approval)

    They will ensure that safeguarding systems, training, and escalation pathways are in place and regularly reviewed.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to reviewing safeguarding policies regularly to ensure they remain aligned with:

  • Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements

  • GMC Good Medical Practice

  • NHS safeguarding frameworks

  • Local authority safeguarding guidance

  • National legislation and best practice

Go Back Top