It is the second part of the 'Unit A - Safeguarding and protection in care settings' that consists of 21 pages.
Know how to respond to suspected or alleged abuse
3.1 Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused
3.2 Explain the actions to take if an indivi...
explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused
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Weston College
IAO Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Senior HealthCare Support Worker L3
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Unit A6165042 - Safeguarding and protection in care settings 2.
Know how to respond to suspected or alleged abuse
3.1 Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused
One of the most challenging situations to deal with in the hospital is when I think that abuse is
happening. It is very hard to accept the possibility of abuse where I do not expect it, especially
situations when abuse is taking place between members of staff or between visitors.
I must follow the agreed ways of working within the hospital and follow our Safeguarding
Policy. It means that I have a responsibility to take action immediately if I have concerns and
suspect that a person is being abused or neglected.
When I perceive some of the signs and/or symptoms of probable abuse, it is more likely that I
have no evidence. I know that I should never ignore my suspicions of abuse or neglect, but
I cannot accuse someone until I understand the reason for his/her behaviour. What I can do is
to speak with them politely about my concerns.
For example, when I can see a patient who is sitting in his/her chair in dirty clothes and
unkempt, it does not mean that a member of staff neglects him/her. A nursing assistant
probably is just preparing the necessary things to assist this patient with personal care.
Another example happened to me yesterday. A patient has complained to me that she cannot
find her purse, maybe her money disappeared. My first thought was that it could be a sign of
financial abuse, but I did not think it was. I reassured her that I am sure we will find it soon.
After gaining her consent, I was looking for her purse on the table in front of her, then in her
locker and under the chair and bed; but I could not find it. I told her that probably one of her
family members took it home yesterday. She was not sure, so I asked the nurse whether this
lady’s purse may be closed in the white box on the wall. He opened it, and finally, we found
what we were looking for. (Unfortunately, it was not being told and documented that the
previous nurse closed this patient’s values in the box.)
Firstly, protecting the vulnerable person is our priority.
Secondly, if I still have doubts or remain concerned, I have a responsibility to ’blow the
whistle’. I should not wait until something more serious thing happens, or I will have more
evidence. In this case - when I suspect someone is being abused or neglected in any way - I
must report it to my manager or nurse in charge as soon as possible.
If I think someone may have committed a crime, I must tell this to my manager who will
contact the police.
When I believe that my manager is involved in a possible abuse or she will not take any
actions, I must refer it to someone in a more senior position, e.g. a matron directly who is
likely to be unprejudiced.
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