Ensuring safety in care

Question 1

What are the possible risks in care?

Answer 1

Abuse by other service users or staff
Inadequate supervision of facilities, such as bathrooms
inadequate supervision of support staff, for example when moving patients
Lack of illness prevention measures, such as clean toilets, hand washing facilities and safe drinking water
Infection due to lack of clean facilities and equipment
Inadequate control of harmful substances
Lack of properly maintained first aid facilities.

Question 2

How can you manage risks in Care?

Answer 2

Use risk assessments to identify possible sources of harm and to minimise the chance of harm.
Staff training to manage risks.
Clear codes of practice which are familiar to all staf including safeguarding and control of harmful substances.
Appropriately qualified staff
Ensuring that all staff have been DBS cleared
Regular and evidenced checks of facilities and provision of safe drinking water
Availability of protective equipment and knowledge of infection control procedures.
Procedures for reporting and recording accidents, incidents and complaints
provision of maintained first-aid facilities.

Question 3

When using a hoist with a patient what would you do to minimize the risk?

Answer 3

Require sufficient staff trained in use of equipment to perform maneuver.

Question 4

When giving adequate supervision and support, (giving a hot drink to an elderly frail) how could you minimize the risk?

Answer 4

Ensure that drink is not too hot, use stable cup, supervise if necessary.

Question 5

When an infection from accidents and spillage at a meal time occurs, what would you do to minimize the risk?

Answer 5

Support for meal times, suitable utensils and protection.