Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting a person’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care. Safeguarding children, young people and adults is a collective responsibility for anyone involved in providing healthcare services.

At NUPAS we believe that everyone has the right to live a life free from harm and abuse. If you tell us you are suffering from any form of abuse, we will support you to make decisions that are best for you.

If we are worried about your safety, or the safety of someone you care for, we will help you develop a plan. We all have a duty and legal responsibility to do everything we can to keep children and vulnerable adults safe and where applicable, to share any concerns we have about your safety and welfare.

If you are a professional requiring or sharing safeguarding information, please email us at safeguarding.nupas@nhs.net

Safeguarding and Under 18 year olds

Will you tell my parents?

NUPAS are a confidential service and we will not speak to your parents, or anyone else, if you don’t want us to, however we do encourage you to talk to your parents/carers or another adult who you trust so they can help and support you through the treatment process. We will never force you to tell your parents or carers and we will not refuse to treat you if we believe you completely understand the treatment you are agreeing (consenting) to and the consequences – this is called being Fraser and Gillick competent. However it is unusual for a girl or woman to come to our clinics on their own, and there are some treatments we won’t be able to provide if you don’t bring an adult to take you home and stay with you afterwards. This is because we want to be sure you are safe and well looked after once the abortion process starts.

Who can I bring with me?

It is best to bring an adult with you (someone who you know well and is over 18). They will be able to stay with you whilst you have your treatment then take you home afterwards.

You might see a couple of different people when you come to NUPAS – a person on reception, a nurse or midwife, a doctor, a person who will do a scan (sonographer), and we will ask if we can see you on your own at some point – this is so we can make sure that this is your decision and that you are safe. We need to ask lots of questions and do medical checks and tests to make sure that that the treatment you are agreeing to is the right treatment for you and is safe and is legal. If there is anything you don’t understand then just ask and we will help you to understand. The person you bring with you will be able to come back and be with you once we have seen you on your own.

I am under 18, can I consent to my own treatment?

The nurses and midwives who you will see at NUPAS will give you lots of information and make sure that you understand what is involved in abortion treatment. We need to make sure that you actually want an abortion; that you understand what happens and the possible risks and complications of treatment, and that you can agree to the treatment yourself.

Will you tell anyone I have had an abortion?

We will not share your information without your permission unless we are worried that you are not safe - this is the same for everyone, no matter how young or old they are. If we are worried about you we would always try to talk to you about our worries first.

Do I have to tell the father?

The decision to have an abortion is yours and you do not need to tell the father. He has no legal right to be told or asked for his opinion. Sometimes partners can be helpful and want to support you but it is entirely up to you if you want him to know or be involved.