Safeguarding Adults
pdf WSAB Safeguarding adults info for self isolating (114 KB)
‘Adult safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.’ Care Act Statutory Guidance 2014
Protection of adults with care and support needs is a multi-agency responsibility, and we work with many partners under the umbrella of the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board to promote safeguarding and ensure that these adults, receive protection and support.
Our staff have a duty to identify and report concerns if they suspect an adult is being abused. Further information about local strategies and policies can be found on the Worcestershire County Council website.
Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm or exploitation of an adult. A wide range of people may harm adults including: staff members, professionals, volunteers, other patients or service users, relatives, friends, neighbours and strangers.
What is abuse?
It is the violation of an individual's human or civil rights by another person or people. It can take many different forms such as:
- Physical abuse - being hit or restrained, misuse of medication
- Sexual abuse - being harassed, teased or being forced to have sex without consent
- Psychological abuse - bullying, threats, verbal abuse
- Financial abuse - theft, fraud, misappropriation of property or possessions, pressure to change a Will
- Neglect - not getting adequate care, food, medication, heating
- Discriminatory abuse - ridicule or threats because of race, gender, disability
- Institutional abuse - mistreatment by an organisation or individual where care is provided
- Forced Marriage - forcing someone to marry under duress and unwillingly
- Hate Crime related to being victimised due to discrimination against a person for their ability, race, culture belief, sexual orientation etc.
- Honour Based Violence - is a crime and referring to the Police must always be considered.
We take our responsibility seriously and have policies and procedures in place to safeguard patients.
How to raise concerns
If you need advice and guidance regarding the potential abuse of an Adult with care and support needs talk to a staff member at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust who will support you to report your concerns, or contact Health & Social Care Access Service number: 01905 768053 or contact the Police on 101. Or complete the electronic public reporting form - https://capublic.worcestershire.gov.uk/AdultsSafeguardingConcern
Modern Slavery Statement
You can read the Trust's Modern Slavery Statement here: Modern Slavery Statement
Want to know more?
Follow these links to other useful websites:
- Worcestershire County Council - Adult Safeguarding explained
- www.carersuk.org
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005 outlines a statutory framework to empower and protect vulnerable people who are not able to make their own decisions.