Safeguarding

Question 1

Define safeguarding

Answer 1

Protecting a persons right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect

Question 2

Features of safeguarding

Answer 2

At risk adult – an individual aged 18 or over who may be in need of community care services, due to mental or other disability, age or illness; and who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation
Children more likely to be at risk in foster families
Prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults and support them in making choices and having control in how they choose to live their lives
All staff within health services have a responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of patients and colleagues

Question 3

Categories of abuse

Answer 3

Physical abuse
§ Injuries to both side of the body
§ Injuries to soft tissue
§ Injuries with particular patterns
§ Injuries that don’t fit the explanation
§ Delayed presentation to healthcare services
§ Bruising on pre-mobile babies
§ Injuries to ear, cheeks, inner aspect of arms, back and sides of trunk, chest, abdomen, groin or genital area, inner aspects of thighs
Sexual abuse
§ Pain, itching, bruising or bleeding in genital areas
§ STIs
§ Recurrent genital discharge or UTIs
§ Stomach pains
§ Apparent fear of someone
Psychological abuse
§ Compulsive nervous behaviours
§ Self-harm
§ Lack of confidence
Neglect
§ Unkempt
§ Loss of weigh
§ Inappropriately dressed – old, dirty, damaged clothes
§ Untreated medical conditions
§ Depression/psychiatric illness
§ Baby who doesn’t cry
Fabricated or induced illness
§ Reported symptoms and signs only appear or reappear when the parent or carer is present
§ Reported symptoms are only observed by the parent or carer
§ An inexplicably poor response to prescribed medication or other treatment
§ New symptoms are reported as soon as previous ones have resolved.
§ History of events that is biologically unlikely (e.g. infants with a history of very large blood losses who do not become unwell or anaemic).
Financial or material abuse (adults only)
Self-neglect (adults only)
Discriminatory abuse
Organisational abuse – e.g. in hospital or care home
Modern slavery

Question 4

What should a HCP do if they have safeguarding concerns

Answer 4

Assess situation - are emergency services required
Establish individual’s views and wishes about the safeguarding issue
Inform individual you are required to share information
Maintain evidence
Follow local procedures for reporting
Keep written record of all conversations and actions

Question 5

Features of full safeguarding assessment

Answer 5

Inconsistencies in hx
Patient condition - skin integrity, hydration, unkempt, weight loss
Evidence of frequent attendances to health services or repeated failure to attend
Does the patient have capacity to give informed consent
Are others at risk
Reactions and responses of other people with the patient
Is immediate protection required
Has crime been committed
Cultural differences or religious beliefs

Question 6

Principles of adult safeguarding

Answer 6

o Empowerment – person-led decisions and informed consent
o Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs
o Proportionality – least intrusive response appropriate to the risk
o Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need
o Partnership – local solutions through services working with their communities
o Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding