The Public Protection Team based at Coathill Hospital, recently welcomed NHS Lanarkshire Board members as part of the latest leadership walk-round.
The visit left a lasting impression on all who attended – including executive nurse director Trudi Marshall, interim chief executive Colin Lauder, board chair Martin Hill, non-executive directors Scott Haldane and Donald Reid and head of assurance Laura Drummond.
The team, led by head of service Anne Marie Sangster, gave a powerful overview of the life-changing work they do every day to keep children, young people and adults safe from harm.
Public protection in NHS Lanarkshire includes child and adult protection, gender-based violence, and MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) – all delivered by a small, dedicated team who work closely with health and multi-agency partners.
In 2024/25 alone, the team handled:
🔹 1,688 Inter-agency Referral Discussions – a 174% increase over five years
🔹 1,004 child protection case supervision sessions for frontline staff
🔹 895 adult protection referrals
🔹 Over 900 staff trained across child and adult protection topics
🔹 Plus advice lines, newsletters, digital tools, and more
Colin Lauder, Interim Chief Executive, said: “The scale and impact of what this team does is phenomenal. They are delivering in an incredibly complex area, and doing it with care, professionalism and real heart.
“Every day, they navigate some of the most sensitive and challenging issues in health and social care, and they do it with exceptional skill and unwavering commitment. We should be immensely proud to have such a dedicated, passionate team at the heart of NHS Lanarkshire.”
Trudi Marshall, Executive Nurse Director added: “This team’s work underpins many of the board’s strategic priorities – from improving early intervention and prevention to supporting safe and effective multi-agency working. Their leadership in implementing national frameworks, improving data sharing practices, and embedding trauma-informed approaches across services is shaping how we protect vulnerable people across Lanarkshire.”
The visit also highlighted the team’s growing role in key national initiatives – including Bairns’ Hoose, contextual safeguarding, and implementing Scotland’s public protection accountability framework.
Anne Marie Sangster, Head of Service – Public Protection said: “Public protection often happens behind the scenes – but it is vital. Our team has led the way in strengthening NHS Lanarkshire’s public protection governance, developing robust audit and assurance processes, and playing a central role in multi-agency inspection activity.
“We’ve also contributed to the national accountability framework and are actively working to improve how digital tools and alerts are used to safeguard vulnerable people. We’re proud of our service, proud of our people, and proud to be making a meaningful difference every day.”
The Public Protection Team continues to drive innovation, deliver national priorities, and play a critical role in safeguarding people across every part of NHS Lanarkshire – their contribution is central to our commitment to safety, quality and compassionate care.
