21/03/2011

New Guidance To Improve Care For Vulnerable Patients

The Department of Health has launched four new sets of guidance to improve the care of vulnerable people in NHS funded care. The documents remind staff and managers across the health service of the importance of personalised care and dignity and offers practical advice on how to deliver this.

Recent reports such as the Health Ombudsman’s Care and Compassion report have highlighted shocking examples of failings in NHS and care services. While the vast majority of patients receive a high standard of care, no failings are acceptable. That is why the Department has been working with stakeholders including the Care Quality Commission, ADASS and Royal Colleges of Nurses and GPs as well as frontline staff to develop practical guidance for staff across the NHS.

The four documents launched include:
  • Safeguarding adults: The role of health service practitioners
  • Safeguarding adults: The role of health service managers and their boards
  • Safeguarding adults: The role of NHS Commissioners
  • Safeguarding Adults: Self-assessment and assurance framework for health care services
By developing specific guidance for NHS staff, managers and commissioners the Department is sending a clear signal that safeguarding should be a priority for everyone in the NHS.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “Protecting the safety and dignity of vulnerable patients is the responsibility of everyone in the NHS. That’s why today we have published practical advice for all health service staff, from the frontline to commissioners, on how to safeguard patients by delivering personalised care that respects their safety and dignity.

“This guidance has been developed with staff and stakeholders to ensure they address the day-to-day safeguarding issues facing staff and managers. Small changes like ensuring all staff are aware of the full range of all the safeguarding procedures in place at their organisation can make a real difference to patients.”

(BMcN/GK)

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