Safeguarding Adults Procedures

54 Assessment of need for health and social care provision (adults at risk and family carers). Social Services, NHS/ CMHT/ care trust. Access to health and social care services to reduce risk of harm/ neglect. Social Services, NHS/ CMHT/ care trust. Misuse of enduring or lasting power of attorney or misconduct of or complaints against a court-appointed deputy. OPG/ Court of Protection/ Police. Inappropriate person making decisions about the care and well-being of an adult at risk who does not have mental capacity to make decisions about their safety which is not in their best interests. OPG/ Court of Protection. www.gov.uk/court-of-protection Misuse of appointeeship or agency. Department of Work and Pensions. Anti-social behaviour (e.g.: harassment and nuisance by neighbours). Police Community Safety Team. Local Authority Breach of tenancy agreement (e.g.: harassment and nuisance by neighbours). Landlord/ registered social landlord/ Housing Trust/ Community Safety Team. Bogus callers or rogue traders. Police and Trading Standards officers. The role of the General Practitioner in Safeguarding Adults GPs have a significant role within Safeguarding Adults and should receive appropriate training in this area. They should be able to identify adults in their care who may be at risk of potential or actual harm. They need to ensure they have processes in place to recognise and report such issues in line with these Multi Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures, as this can be a vital first step in ensuring that he or she receives necessary support. They should contribute to strategy discussions, case conferences and protection plans where appropriate. Additional Resources : British Medical Association: Adult Safeguarding Toolkit – a toolkit for general practitioners Role of all Health Employees The safeguarding principles of empowerment, partnership & accountability reflect the central role of patients in safeguarding adults. Empowerment is about involvement, having information to make choices and consent to care and treatment. This applies in day-to-day care and responses to harm and abuse. Compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Equalities Act 2010 are fundamental to safeguarding adults. This legislation provides important protection for patients who may be particularly at risk of harm e.g. adults with impairments such as impaired mental capacity. Partnerships with patients and family carers will enable the personalized care that is fundamental to preventing harm, neglect and abuse. The Government’s carers’ strategy (DH) outlines the importance of recognising the expertise of carers and supporting them in their role– this is an important component of prevention and responses to harm and abuse.