Safeguarding for anaesthetists: working to protect children

An awareness of what may constitute neglect or ill treatment to children and young people is important for all healthcare staff, and prevention of harm is everyone's business. Whilst it is relatively unusual to see serious signs of abuse in a routine surgical context, anaesthetists also see children in many different settings and should be able clearly to communicate their concerns. Whilst there are differences in both relevant law and statutory advice in the various parts of the UK the message is basically the same. New recommendations potentially allow for a more meaningful and flexible approach to training.