Guernsey families want apology over safeguarding concerns

The families also want an independent learning report published into the public domain

Families who say they were let down by Guernsey's health services are calling for a public apology from the States.

They feel they were treated differently by safeguarding officials after seeking a second opinion for their children.

They say they have been "put through traumatic and needless investigations questioning our ability to care for our own children".

The Committee for Health and Social Care (HSC) and Medical Specialist Group say safeguarding is a priority.

An independent learning report, which began after the families complained, did not find evidence to suggest the safeguarding process had been misused.

However, the report did make recommendations, saying there needed to be a "serious and urgent discussion about health services withdrawing when families access private therapists".

The families have sent an open letter to all deputies outlining their concerns, in which they repeat their calls for the report to be published.

'Offensive and retraumatising'

They also want all States deputies to collectively apologise - describing a debate on the matter as "offensive and retraumatising".

In the letter, they said: "Just a handful of [States] members acknowledge the existence of us. Even fewer offered an apology for the failings."

President of the Committee for Health and Social Care (HSC), Al Brouard said: "No one should belie the traumatic experiences the families have described. These are serious issues and they need and have been examined in a professional and caring manner."

He said the learning document was "never intended for general publication".

Deputy Brouard added: "While HSC has, in agreement with the families, resolved to work closely with them to deliver the recommendations, we also need to focus on minimising further harm to our important safeguarding services and to move forward in a productive way as agreed between us and the families.

Complaints 'taken seriously'

"Our professional services are seeking pathways to ensure children are at the centre and their safeguarding, which is so important, is paramount."

Dr Steve Evans, chair of the Medical Specialist Group, said: "Safeguarding is a top priority for our clinicians and staff," adding that all doctors are regulated by the same body as those in the UK.

A statement said its safeguarding processes followed guidelines from the Royal College of Paediatrics and were agreed by HSC and the Multi-Agency Support Hub.

It said "all complaints are taken seriously" and it "welcomes" second opinions being sought.

"All services are independently reviewed on a regular basis", it added.