Page 5 - P4653.5-V5_Safeguarding_children_and_adults_policy[Digital]
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Operational Guidance
Definitions of abuse or neglect Do
Abuse or neglect may be the result of deliberate • Take the patient to a confidential area of the
intent, negligence or ignorance. Whilst it is pharmacy if appropriate. Please consider your
acknowledged that abuse or neglect can take own safety and follow the company chaperone
different forms, the Care Act 2014 guidance policy if appropriate.
identifies the following types of abuse or neglect:
• Allow the person to describe their concerns in
• Physical abuse. their own words.
• Domestic violence. • Ask open questions so not to lead the
conversation.
• Female genital mutilation.
• Document what the person tells you in their own
• Sexual abuse. words where possible documenting the date and
• Child sex exploitation. time they were shared with you.
• Psychological abuse. • Reassure the patient that they were right to tell
you and that you will have to seek advice to
• Financial or material abuse. allow you to best support them, in some cases
• Modern slavery. this may mean reporting issues even if they
expressly decline this.
• Discriminatory abuse.
• Seek consent if the patient is an ‘adult at risk’.
• Organisational abuse.
• Tell the patient if you will be contacting
• Neglect and acts of omission. safeguarding if this will not negatively affect the
• Self neglect. patients welfare.
See Appendix A for further details. • Deal with their initial needs and give medical
advice if appropriate and ensure it is safe for
How might safeguarding incidents come to light? them to return home.
Common situations where safeguarding incidents • Seek a suitable explanation in an appropriate
can present include; manner if concerning features are noticed.
• A child or adult at risk directly disclosing Examples of unsuitable explanations are where
information to a member of the pharmacy team. they are inconsistent with the persons age,
medical condition, mobility, or you may find they
• An expression of concern from another patient differ to accounts given by other people or that
or relative. they could change over time.
• An observation by a member of the pharmacy • Discuss all concerns with the Superintendents
team. Office immediately to ensure they are
• Allegations from external bodies. documented even if you feel they are not
founded as patterns can emerge over time.
How should they be handled?
All concerns should be reported initially to the Don’t
Responsible Pharmacist within the Branch who will • Ask leading questions such as ‘who hit you?’ or
speak to the patient or assess the concerns being ‘have you fallen?’
raised.
• Perform examinations or conduct a full interview.
• Promise confidentiality- you may have to
escalate in line with procedures and you will
have to discuss this with Superintendents Office.
• Take photographs.
• Visit or explore the patient’s home.
• Conduct your own investigation.
• Confront the perpetrator of abuse.
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