I just want to say a few words to all
NHS staff about the
vital overall we all play in identifying and
supporting victims of modern slavery.
Everyday across the UK staff come into contact
with many thousands of people from all backgrounds.
Having such far-reaching
contact with the public puts the NHS in
a very unique position to make a real
difference. Modern slavery is a serious
crime and it's a violation of Human
Rights. It can have serious health
consequences for victims and also
impacts on public services to.
It's estimated that 30,000 men women and
children are trafficked for exploitation
in the UK. Up to 1 in 5 of these victims
report having come into contact with
healthcare services during the time they
were trafficked even more come into
contact with services after the escape
from exploitation. So I hope this short
film made in conjunction with the
independent and to slavery commissioner
or prompt all staff to start to think
about the complex issues and the many varied
signs and symptoms of modern slavery and
what to do if we have concerns or
suspicions. Modern slavery is everybody's
business and we can all start making a
difference today.
If you thought modern slavery has
nothing to do with your role in earning
general practice or Midwifery, then think again.
It's happening now in all areas of
the UK and all levels of society. Forced
and compulsory labor servitude and human
trafficking are fast becoming the most
profitable, global criminal activity.
It's often hidden and the victims are
highly controlled. Its cruel and indiscriminate.
So whether you're in an NHS hospital,
a community setting, employed by private
health organisation or any department we
all need to help in the fight.
There's an army of us in the NHS you can
help fight slavery. Staff come into daily
contact with a broad range of people
from different backgrounds and different
ethnicity. Through good communication and
by asking the right questions
it could raise serious concerns that
your patient whether adults or children
may be the victim of modern slavery.
Whether you're an administrator a
receptionist or a clinician working with patients
you may not have realised that the
conversation you've just had or the
information you've just received may have
great value in protecting the victim
and identifying those responsible.
Do you know what to look for and what to
do? As professionals it's our
responsibility to be aware of the signs
and symptoms of modern slavery, to know
what to do and how to report any
concerns. The modern slavery act reinforces this.
Many organisations are creating guidance
and developing training materials to
help you spot the signs, help identify
potential victims and understand the
gravity of the crime.
So keep your eyes open during your
day-to-day routine and listen to your
professional curiosity.
Familiarise yourself with the materials
and processes available to you. Know
where to get guidance and if something
looks unusual stop and consult.
Don't let the opportunity pass.
If you're thinking this doesn't relate to me or my
job you're wrong
everyone of us has a responsibility to
read the signs, report and share
information. That's NHS staff like me, and
me, and me, we're all busy but be curious.
Our professional curiosity can stop
the misery and literally save lives.
Look again and together that's hope put a
stop to modern slavery.
So I'm here to call you to action.
If you see something you need to do something
about it.
You can talk to your line manager or the
named nurse or doctor in your
organisation. You can also talk to the
designated nurse or doctor in the local CCG.
Sometimes you might need to make a
referral to Social Care, other times you
may need to involve the police, but
what's most important is that if you see
something you ask for advice and you
take action.