In all the noise over the past year regarding Covid 19, children have been affected the most, they may have been the least affected by the virus itself but they have suffered disproportionately from lockdown. Children have been isolated from their friends, suffered losses in their education, denied play and sport, child abuse has soared and obesity has risen, social inequalities have widened and children with special needs or disabilities have seen a reduction in the support they receive. It is not just the elderly who have suffered.
As healthcare professionals we all have to play a part to help safeguard children in our communities, ensure we have trained our staff to be on the lookout for signs of abuse in all age groups but especially the young. Have you checked your signposting contacts recently to see if they have changed?