named person

named person

A term of art which, as used in the context of safeguarding children in the UK, refers to a specified doctor, nurse, midwife or other professional—for NHS Direct, ambulance trusts and independent providers—who plays a key role in those bodies (e.g., NHS Trusts, NHS Foundation Trusts and Primary Care Trusts) that provide services for children.

A named person (NP) is a Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) consultant and a CAMHS nurse at a trust, who has additional duties in their job description for safeguarding children. The names of these people are made known to clinicians, so the clinicians have a person to contact should they have any concerns or questions. NPs are known to partner agencies and represent the trust at relevant meetings and act as a contact point for partner agencies.

NPs are central to promoting good professional practice within a trust, ensuring that a safeguarding children training strategy is in place and delivered within their organisation, and providing advice and expertise for fellow professionals. NPs should have specific expertise in child health and development, child maltreatment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The NP is usually responsible for conducting the trust’s internal case reviews, unless he or she was personally involved in the case (in which case the review defaults to the Designated Health Professional). The NP will also ensure that any resulting required action is followed up.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.