Safeguarding at Priory Medical Centre

Keeping You Safe, Supported, and Heard

At Priory Medical Centre, your safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Safeguarding is an important part of how we care for our patients — it means looking out for people who may be at risk and taking action to keep them safe.

Safeguarding is not just about responding to harm. It is also about preventing problems, recognising concerns early, and supporting people in a compassionate and respectful way.

We are committed to providing care that is safe, effective, and centred around you, and to working closely with our community to support health and wellbeing.

What does safeguarding mean?

Safeguarding means protecting children, young people, and adults from harm, abuse, or neglect.

This may include situations where someone:

• feels unsafe at home or in their relationships
• is being hurt, threatened, or controlled
• is not receiving the care or support they need
• is unable to protect themselves due to illness, disability, or other circumstances

Sometimes safeguarding concerns are not obvious. It is about noticing when something doesn’t feel right and taking it seriously.

What does safeguarding mean for you?

Safeguarding is about support, not blame.

If we have concerns about your safety or wellbeing, we may:

• talk to you about what is happening
• offer support or advice
• work with other services if needed

We will always aim to:

• be open and honest with you
• listen to your views and respect your wishes
• act in your best interests
• keep your information confidential, unless there is a serious risk of harm

Our priority is to keep you safe while treating you with dignity, respect, and kindness.

Vulnerability and safeguarding – what’s the difference?

Some people may be more vulnerable, meaning they are at greater risk due to illness, disability, or life circumstances.

Safeguarding is needed when:

• that risk becomes actual harm, or
• someone else’s actions or behaviour are causing harm

In simple terms:

• Vulnerability = someone may be at risk
• Safeguarding = action is needed to protect them

How we work to keep patients safe

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility within our practice.

We:

• encourage staff to speak up if they are worried
• regularly review safeguarding concerns as a team
• work closely with health, social care, and community services
• ensure concerns are recorded and followed up

We believe that no concern is too small — it is always better to talk about it.

Our commitment to you

We are committed to:

• recognising early signs of harm or risk
• listening carefully and without judgement
• acting promptly and appropriately
• working with other services to support you
• providing safe, compassionate care at all times

Safeguarding is not just a policy — it is part of how we care for you every day.

Safeguarding leads at Priory Medical Centre

• Safeguarding Lead (Adults and Children): Dr Deirdre Watters – GP Partner
• Deputy Safeguarding Lead (Adults and Children): Brogan Purves – Managing Partner

They ensure safeguarding is approached with openness, integrity, and accountability across the practice.

Local Safeguarding Support (Liverpool)

If you are worried about yourself or someone else, you can contact local services directly:

• You can report concerns about an adult here:
  Liverpool Adult Social Care – Report a concern
• You can report concerns about a child here:
  Liverpool Children’s Social Care – Concern about a child

📞 Adults: 0151 233 3800 (24 hours)
📞 Children: 0151 233 3700 (24 hours)
📞 Urgent safeguarding concerns: 0151 459 2606

Domestic Abuse and Specialist Support (Liverpool & Merseyside)

• Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS)
  📞 0800 084 2744
• Merseyside Domestic Violence Service (MDVS)
• Paul Lavelle Foundation (support for men)
• Savera UK (honour-based abuse support)
• Centre 56 (support for families and children)

National Support and Helplines

• NSPCC Helpline
  📞 0808 800 5000
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
  📞 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
• Hourglass (elder abuse support)
  📞 0808 808 8141
• Samaritans (emotional support)
  📞 116 123 (24 hours)
• Men’s Advice Line
  📞 0808 801 0327
• NHS 111
  📞 111

If you are in immediate danger

Call 999 immediately

If you are worried

You do not need to be certain that harm is happening to seek help. If something doesn’t feel right, it is always okay to speak to someone.

You can contact the practice in the usual way, and we will ensure your concern is taken seriously and handled with care.

A final message

We understand that talking about safeguarding can feel difficult. Please remember — we are here to help, not to judge.

Your safety matters. Your voice matters.
We will always do our best to support you.