Help for NHS staff to spot and support trafficking victims

Published: 24 April 2013

More victims of human trafficking will be identified and offered better support thanks to new training and advice launched by Public Health Minister Anna Soubry.

The new tools are designed to make it easier for NHS staff to spot and give help to people who have been illegally trafficked and is available to health care workers across the country. 

Last year, 1,186 potential victims of trafficking were identified – an increase of 25 per cent compared to 2011 – but due to difficulties in recognising victims it is clear that many more could be saved.

The toolkit has two elements, a guidance leaflet that can be printed out from the website and an e-learning module.  Those within the NHS will be able to gain access and accreditation through their NHS login.  However the module is also available as an open access module so anyone can complete it, although this will not be accredited. 

The guidance leaflet is online here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/identifying-and-supporting-victims-of-human-trafficking-guidance-for-health-staff

The e-learning module can be accessed via the introduction to the guidance, or by using this link: www.e-lfh.org.uk/projects/human-trafficking-e-learning/