Safeguarding Statement

1. INTRODUCTION

Curigo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and are committed to responding appropriately where concerns arise during the delivery of our services.

2. OUR COMMITMENT

Curigo is committed to:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of all patients.
• Identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Acting in the best interests of children and adults at risk.
• Complying with applicable safeguarding legislation, professional standards and regulatory guidance.
• Working with relevant healthcare professionals and statutory agencies where appropriate to help protect individuals from harm.

3. HOW WE IDENTIFY SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

During consultations or other interactions, we remain alert to signs that may indicate a safeguarding concern. These may include:

• concerns about abuse or neglect;
• domestic abuse;
• coercion or exploitation;
• concerns regarding a person's ability to make informed decisions;
• suspected medicine misuse or diversion;
• concerns involving children or vulnerable adults; or
• other situations where an individual's safety or welfare may be at risk.

Not every concern will require referral, but all concerns are assessed appropriately.

4. RESPONDING TO CONCERNS

Where safeguarding concerns are identified, Curigo may:

• seek further information where appropriate;
• delay or refuse treatment where patient safety requires;
• discuss concerns with other appropriate healthcare professionals;
• share relevant information with safeguarding authorities or other statutory bodies where legally or professionally required; and
• take any other action considered necessary to help protect the individual or others from harm.

Information will only be shared where there is a lawful basis to do so and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY

We respect patient confidentiality at all times.

However, confidentiality is not absolute. Where there are genuine safeguarding concerns or a legal obligation to disclose information, Curigo may share relevant information without consent where permitted or required by law to protect an individual or the wider public.

6. OUR APPROACH

We aim to manage safeguarding concerns with sensitivity, professionalism and respect.

Each situation is considered individually, taking into account:

• patient safety;
• clinical information;
• legal obligations;
• professional guidance; and
• the need to minimise the risk of harm.

7. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Curigo regularly reviews its safeguarding arrangements to help ensure they remain effective and reflect current legislation, professional guidance and best practice.

8. CHANGES TO THIS STATEMENT

This Safeguarding Statement may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, regulatory guidance or improvements to our safeguarding processes.

The latest version will always be available on our website.

9. CONTACTING CURIGO

If you have concerns about safeguarding in relation to our services, please contact Curigo using the contact details provided on our website.

If you believe that someone is in immediate danger, you should contact the emergency services by calling 999 without delay.

10. ENTIRE STATEMENT

This Safeguarding Statement should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, Clinical Services Terms & Conditions, Website Terms & Conditions and other policies published on our website.

Together, these documents demonstrate Curigo's commitment to providing safe, responsible and patient-centred healthcare services.