Batt O'Keeffe
Question:157 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the interaction between social workers and accident and emergency units in all acute hospitals. [18312/96]
Written Answers. - Protection of Children at Risk.
I understand the Deputy is concerned about arrangements for the protection of children at risk who come to the attention of staff in accident and emergency departments. The procedures to be followed by hospital staff in such circumstances are in accordance with the guidelines issued by my Department in 1987. These guidelines were amended last year by the guidelines for the Notification of Suspected Cases of Child Abuse between Health Boards and Gardaí in relation to the circumstances in which the health boards and the Garda are to notify suspected cases of child abuse to each other and in relation to the consultations that should take place between both agencies following a notification.
In addition, a number of health boards have drawn up detailed regional guidelines and procedures for the investigation and management of cases of suspected child abuse based on my Department's guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines is to protect vulnerable children by ensuring that staff have guidance on the investigation and management of situations where children are considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect.