Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the finding published on 28 July 2022 by the Care Quality Commission that BPAS Merseyside did not have a system for the observation of children under the age of 18 years using the modified early warning score (MEWS) to ensure early recognition and safe timely escalation of deteriorating children, whether he is taking steps to protect the welfare of girls under 18 who have visited BPAS Merseyside.

During the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) most recent inspection of BPAS Merseyside, it found that the service uses one universal tool for all people using the service, rather than a specific paediatric early warning score to assess young people. Following the inspection, BPAS is reviewing the process for the escalation of deterioration in the condition of young people and has issued a statement on a review of tools and current guidance. The CQC does not have evidence that young people under the age of 18 years old have been harmed as a result. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recently published new safeguarding guidance for all under 18 year olds accessing early medical abortion services.