Modern Slavery
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital's Response to the Requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
An Act to make provision about slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and about human trafficking; including provision for the protection of victims; to make provision for an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; and for connected purposes.
Slavery is not an issue confined to history or an issue that only exists in certain countries – it is something that is still happening today. It is a global problem and the UK is no exception.
Modern slavery is part of the safeguarding agenda for children and adults.
All staff at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, be they in clinical or non-clinical roles, have a responsibility to consider issues regarding modern slavery, and incorporate their understanding of these issues into their day to day practice. Front line NHS staff are well placed to be able to identify and report any concerns they may have about individual patients who present for treatment.
Modern slavery is a real issue.
It is also a serious concern for public services.
As a Trust we are committed to working in partnership with local authorities to identify cases of modern day slavery and to intervene to protect vulnerable adults and children when they are identified.
Who is affected?
Victims found in the United Kingdom come from many different countries, including Romania, Albania, Nigeria, Vietnam and the United Kingdom itself.
Social and economic deprivation, limited opportunities at home, lack of education, unstable social and political conditions, economic imbalances and war are some of the key drivers that contribute to the trafficking of victims.
Victims can also face more than one type of abuse and slavery, for example if they are sold to another trafficker and then forced into another form of exploitation.
For further information please contact Joanne Shaw, Lead Nurse for Patient and Family Experience and Safeguarding Lead on 0151 600 1857.
More information on Modern Day Slavery can be found by visiting: https://modernslavery.co.uk/