Aim

This document aims to support staff in identifying possible safeguarding concerns when patients at risk of possible harm are not supported to attend hospital appointments, or where attendance is impeded by a family member/carer. Where it is in the patient’s best interest to attend and there are no alternative ways to ensure the patient receives the treatment/ intervention/ assessment required, it outlines the appropriate way to escalate concerns.

 

Policy Summary

This policy is designed to support staff in considering the potential risk non-attendance at appointments might pose to the patient; and whether there are possible external factors prohibiting patients attending. The policy is designed to give a brief outline of adult patient’s rights to choose, and the role of mental capacity and coercive and controlling behaviours which may impact on this right. Further information relating to these areas can be found in the Trust’s Mental Capacity Policy and Domestic Abuse Policy.

This policy will not provide support in relation to equality of access (i.e. engaging with difficult to engage with groups, or cultural issues impacting on accessing healthcare) unless the patient is also identified as being an adult at risk as outlined within this document.

 

Policy Details

Download: PDF version
Compiled by: Jane Mitchell
Ratified by: Safeguarding Committee
Date Ratified: November 2019
Date Issued: January 2020
Review Date: November 2022
Target Audience: All staff
Contact name: Jane Mitchell

 

See also:

 

Protecting Your Online Privacy
Protecting Your Online Privacy

This Ashford and St Peter's website uses cookies to track visitor numbers. Find out more in our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy. You can also read our Accessibility Statement and Privacy Notice for your information.