Injury to non-mobile child protocol

Full protocol link

Summary flow chart

Parent/carer leaflet

Why it matters

Findings from Learning Reviews across the UK have shown that when babies and/or non-mobile children have died or been seriously injured due to non accidental injury there was sometimes a history of seemingly minor injuries and/or marks occasionally with multiple presentations to practitioners with what appeared to be plausible, minor injuries.

A small bruise or mark may be the only outward sign of more significant internal injuries.

Definition of non-mobile

Babies who are not yet crawling, bottom shuffling, pulling to stand, cruising or walking independently are deemed to be non-mobile. Babies who can roll are also classed as non-mobile.

This protocol also applies to non- mobile children of any age with impaired or reduced mobility due to disability or illness.

Contact details

Consultant Paediatrician: Tel DGRI –01387246246 and ask switchboard for the on call Consultant Paediatrician, available 24/7

SW Single Access Point (SAP): Monday-Friday 9-5pm, Tel: 030 33 33 3001 and Out of Hours, Tel: 01387 273660.

Information sharing

The duty to protect a child at risk is stronger than any rights to confidentiality or data protection and sharing proportionate information to other professionals, including social workers, involved in child protection is an obligation. The ICO has confirmed there will never be criticism to do with data protection in these circumstances - Video message here