22. Safeguarding

What would you do when asked to divulge information about a child patient?

Scenario

Jenny Parkinson, aged 13, is brought in to see you by a teacher at her school. She has a black eye which she tells you was caused by her walking into a door earlier that day. The teacher is concerned to make sure that she has not caused any permanent damage. You examine her and find that – other than some superficial bruising to her orbit – all is fine. You reassure her.

Two weeks later you receive a call from the local Child Protection Unit of Social Services, asking for more information about this child. They want to know what she presented with, what she said to you, and what your findings were. Shortly after that you receive a call from the police asking you similar questions.

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