Since 1 April, 2008, Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) have had a statutory responsibility to review all deaths of children from birth (excluding still born babies and planned terminations) up to 18 years, who are normally live in their area.

These duties are set out in Chapter 5 of Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2018).

The joint Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) continues to monitor and review all child deaths on behalf of both LSCBs. The panel includes representatives from Social Care, Health, Police, Public Health and local Children’s Hospice.

Reviewing child deaths includes collecting information about the circumstances and family background. The overall purpose is to understand how and why children die, make recommendations to protect other children and to prevent future deaths.

For sudden and unexpected deaths a co-ordinated, multi-agency Rapid Response is initiated to ensure safeguarding and public health issues are considered.

Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) Team Contact Details

Dr Sam Postings, Associate Specialist Paediatrician and Lead Doctor for the Child Death Overview Panel and Named Doctor for Safeguarding

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, Stepping Stones Centre, TF3 2BF

Tel: 01952 567300 (Stepping Stones Reception)

Email: samj.postings1@nhs.nets

Bea Jones – Nurse Specialist Child Death Reviews

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, Halesfield 6, TF7 4BF

Tel: 01952 580312

Mobile: 07826 901962

Email: bernadette.jones1@nhs.net

Sam Wheatley, Child Death Overview Panel Administrator and Secretary to Named Nurse and Nurse Specialist

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, Halesfield 6, TF7 4BF

Tel: 01952 580387

Email: sam.wheatley@nhs.net