1. Purpose

MedPlus is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment for all patients, staff, and visitors. This policy explains how we identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including vulnerability, coercion, exploitation, and mental health risk.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all MedPlus services, appointments (including consultations), clinicians (employed and associate), and any person attending our premises.

MedPlus provides certain healthcare services that may be appropriate for children and young people under 18, such as ear assessment and microsuction, where clinically suitable.

Aesthetics treatments are strictly 18+ only. We do not offer injectable aesthetics (including botulinum toxin) or other age-restricted aesthetics services to anyone under 18.

Attendance rules

Under 18s may attend only when they are the patient and must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (unless otherwise agreed in advance in line with applicable safeguarding guidance).

For aesthetics appointments, under 18s are not permitted on the premises, including as a companion/“plus one” or waiting-room attendee. If a patient arrives with a person under 18 for an aesthetics appointment, we may need to rebook.

This is to maintain appropriate safeguarding controls, privacy, and a safe clinical environment.

4. Safeguarding principles

We aim to:

promote patient wellbeing and safety

identify vulnerability and risk early

act promptly and proportionately when a concern is identified

work within confidentiality and data protection obligations while recognising that safety comes first

record concerns accurately and escalate appropriately.

5. Screening for vulnerability and mental health concerns

We undertake screening as part of consultation and consent. This may include (where relevant):

mental health history and current stability (including recent crises, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, psychosis, mania/hypomania)

capacity to consent and understand risk/aftercare

signs of coercion, controlling relationships, intimidation, trafficking/exploitation

concerns suggestive of body image vulnerability (e.g., significant distress, unrealistic expectations, compulsive treatment-seeking)

substance misuse or intoxication at appointment

safeguarding flags such as domestic abuse, financial abuse, or neglect.

6. Refusal of treatment on safeguarding or suitability grounds

MedPlus may decline or postpone treatment where we believe it is in the patient’s best interests or where safe consent cannot be assured. This includes (but is not limited to):

lack of capacity to consent at the time of appointment

intoxication or impairment

evidence of coercion or undue influence

significant or unmanaged mental health concerns affecting safety or decision-making

unrealistic expectations or concerns that treatment may worsen distress

aggressive or threatening behaviour toward staff or others

inability to comply with aftercare or follow-up required for safety

any safeguarding concern where proceeding would not be appropriate.

Where possible, we will explain the reason sensitively and signpost to appropriate support.

7. Chaperones and companions

Patients may attend with a companion (aged 18+) where appropriate, however:

the clinician may request part of the consultation is completed in private to support safe disclosure and confirm consent is freely given

the clinician may ask a companion to step out if there are concerns about coercion, pressure, or confidentiality.

8. Confidentiality and information sharing

We respect confidentiality and handle information in line with data protection requirements. However, confidentiality may be breached if:

there is a serious risk of harm to the patient or another person, or

a safeguarding concern requires escalation to protect someone at risk.

We will only share information that is necessary, proportionate, and relevant, and we will document decisions carefully.

9. Escalation and reporting

If a safeguarding concern is identified, we will take appropriate action which may include:

discussing concerns with the patient (where safe to do so)

creating a safety plan and signposting to support services

contacting the patient’s GP (with consent, where appropriate)

escalating internally to the Safeguarding Lead/Clinical Lead

contacting external agencies where required (e.g., adult safeguarding services, police, emergency services).

If there is immediate danger or urgent medical risk, we will advise calling 999 or attend the nearest A&E.

10. Roles and responsibilities

All MedPlus staff and clinicians (including associate clinicians) must:

remain alert to safeguarding concerns

follow this policy and escalate promptly

document concerns and actions taken.

Safeguarding & Mental Health Lead: Hayley Beeden (NMC registered)
Clinical Lead: Michael Sadler (HCPC registered)

11. Record keeping

Safeguarding concerns and actions will be recorded factually and stored securely. Records will include:

the concern identified (what was seen/heard)

actions taken and rationale

any referrals/signposting

follow-up arrangements where relevant.

12. Training and review

MedPlus ensures safeguarding expectations are communicated to all staff and clinicians working under our governance framework. This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as needed.

Contact: info@medplusuk.com