Safeguarding Adults in Acute Care The Role of the Safeguarding Lead

Background 2004: Asked to take on role of “Safeguarding Lead” –“not much work” Add on role in addition to NS Older People & Senior Nurse in Clinical Practice Lack of awareness of safeguarding within the Trust

Initial Challenges Trust Lead having the confidence/authority initially to prevent discharge Trust Lead “add on” job not single role Trust Lead limitations in enforcement of policy because not a manager, lack of direct access to executive Team other than via Clinical Risk

Challenges-Training No training programme Ad Hoc sessions commenced Difficulty for staff in attending due to service commitments Doctors’ attitude

Early Developments Creation of Trust Safeguarding group as a direct result of one case, with Director Level involvement initially Appointment of a Consultant with an interest in safeguarding brought the link between medicine & nursing & credibility Development of a Trust Safeguarding Action Plan with outcomes from safeguarding cases –Recommended LD Liaison Nurse post to be created –Work on “Carers Contracts” needed

Safeguarding Role Appointed full time Safeguarding Lead December 2009 MCA added as an add on role December 2010 Act as Lead and Trust Advisor on all aspects of safeguarding work Liaise with adult services, Police, Coroner’s office as part of safeguarding investigations Undertake health based investigations both within the Trust and elsewhere in West Sussex as required Keep a database record of cases within the Trust Provide an Annual Report to the Board Develop training programme and assist in delivering this

Successes Creation of stand alone Safeguarding Lead post Creation of LD Liaison Nurse role as per recommendations in safeguarding case Development of Safeguarding web page, which includes LD information Development of a “Determining Neglect” assessment for use with cases involving pressure damage Close working with LD Liaison Nurse Quarterly meetings with Team Manager from CPTLD to discuss safeguarding/LD issues

Training Regular training of junior doctors as part of mandatory training Consultants briefed in mandatory half day training Full day training for Matrons and Ward Sisters to prepare them in role of Investigating Officer (IO) Clinical & non clinical staff captured in mandatory Health & Safety Day Ad Hoc sessions LD Liaison Nurse has facilitated a study day for staff on caring for patients with LD

Specific LD Achievements by LD Group Implementation of “Traffic Light” information booklet Changes in way Pre-assessments are undertaken Increased awareness of needs of patients with LD Communication book/folder now available Picture Menus Consultation on LD policy Ongoing work includes easy read information leaflets for common procedures

Work is ongoing…… Further work needed on MCA, Capacity Assessments, Best Interests meetings MCA Lead role has now been added to Trust Safeguarding Lead role Further MCA training is needed Issues re: 1 to 1 care when in hospital still need resolving….