Safeguarding Adults
All staff within the health services have a responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of patients and colleagues
Living a life that is free from harm and abuse is the fundamental human right of every person and an essential requirement for health and well-being.
Safeguarding adults is about the safety and well-being of all patients, but providing additional measures for those least able to protect themselves from harm or abuse.
Safeguarding adults is a fundamental part of patient safety and wellbeing and the outcomes expected of the NHS. Safeguarding adults is also integral to complying with legislation, regulations and delivering cost effective care.
The Care Act does not give a definition of “adults at risk” but instead states that Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:
Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.
This information may be of assistance if you think someone may be vulnerable or is being abused. It explains how to spot adult abuse, what you can do if you are being abused or you suspect somebody else is, and what the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust does to prevent it happening.
We ensure that our staff are trained to be alert in detecting signs or symptoms of adult abuse.
•it is everyone’s responsibility to report abuse, if known to be occurring
•it is every adult’s right to live free from abuse in accordance with the principles of respect, dignity, autonomy, privacy and equality.
Our Safeguarding Adults team works in partnership with other local statutory bodies, ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures, and practices are in place and implemented.
Who to Contact
Always phone 999 in an emergency.
For general advice, or if you are unsure who to call in the hospital, please contact: Kim Goodby, Trust Safeguarding Lead, on 01603 286300 or Tristan Johnson, Safeguarding Adults Named Nurse, on 01603 287873 or Safeguarding Named Midwife Alison Bailey on 01603 286833 or Deputy Named Midwife Sara Fisher on 01603 287056.
For all safeguarding concerns relating to adults with Learning Disabilities; please contact : Nic Smith Lead Learning Disability Nurse on 01603 287862.
If you are being abused or you suspect that someone you know may be the victim of abuse contact:
If you live in Norfolk please call: Norfolk Patient – 0344 800 8020
If you live in Suffolk please call: Suffolk Customer First on 0808 800 4005
OR
If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse dial 101 to speak to the police.
Useful Links
The link below is a resource for healthcare professionals to increase their awareness and understanding of safeguarding requirements:
NHS Safeguarding Guide for NHS staff
Related Links you may find useful
Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board