Vulnerable Adults

Introduction

The purpose of this page is to set out the policy of Lordswood Practice in relation to the protection of vulnerable adults and adults who have been referred to, or who are involved with the safeguarding team.

What is a vulnerable adult?

The definition is wide, however this may be regarded as anyone over the age of 18 years who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, harm or exploitation, which may be by reason of illness, age, mental illness, disability or other types of physical or mental impairment.

Those at risk may live alone, be dependent on others (care homes etc.), elderly, or socially isolated.

Forms of Adult Abuse (which includes domestic violence and abuse)

  • Neglect – ignoring mental or physical needs, care, education, or basic life necessities or rights
  • Bullying – family, carers, friends
  • Financial – theft or use of money or possessions
  • Sexual – assault, rape, non-consensual acts (including acts where unable to give consent)
  • Physical – hitting, assault, man-handling, restraint, pain or forcing medication
  • Psychological – threats, fear, being controlled, taunts, isolation
  • Discrimination – abuse based on perceived differences and vulnerabilities
  • Institutional abuse – in hospitals, care homes, support services or individuals within them, including inappropriate behaviours, discrimination, prejudice, and lack of essential safeguards
  • Coercive control– Coercive control describes a range of behaviours that allow someone to gain or keep control of a partner, ex-partner or family member.

Abuse may be deliberate or as a result of lack of attention or thought, and may involve combinations of all or any of the above forms. It may be regular or on an occasional or single event basis, however it will result in some degree of suffering to the individual concerned.

Abuse may also take place between one vulnerable adult and another, for example between residents of care homes or other institutions.

Action Required

Where abuse of a vulnerable adult is suspected the welfare of the patient takes priority. In deciding whether to disclose concerns to a third party or other agency the GP will assess the risk to the patient.

  • Ideally the matter should be discussed with the patient involved first, and attempt made to obtain consent to refer the matter to the appropriate agency. Where this is not possible, or in the case of emergency where serious harm is to be prevented, the patient’s doctor will balance the need to protect the patient with the duty of confidentiality before deciding whether to refer.
  • The patient should usually be informed that the doctor intends to disclose information, and advice and support should be offered.
  • Due regard will be taken of the patient’s capacity to provide a valid consent.

We may then need to report this abuse to Social Services, Police or the Birmingham and Solihull ICB Safeguarding team.

Practice registers

All of our staff have completed level two safeguarding training

We are also an IRIS registered and trained practice

As required by the CQC we keep a register of all patients where safeguarding concerns have been raised so the Practice Safeguarding Lead and Admin Lead can follow up where needed.

We sometimes add a code to people’s notes that alerts us that the patient may be vulnerable so we can try and be more accommodating with reasonable adjustments and care.

Our Safeguarding Lead is Dr Liz England

Our deputy safeguarding Lead is Dr Arun Bahal

Our Safeguarding Admin Lead is Brogan Geraghty

If you think you should have a vulnerable code added to your notes or have a safeguarding concern please let us know so we can discuss this.

Contact List:

Police – Emergency: 999 / Non-Emergency: 101

Birmingham Adult safeguarding team 

Report possible abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs | Report possible abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs | Birmingham City Council

0121 303 1234

Out of hours email AMPoutofhours@birmingham.gov.uk or call 0121 464 9001

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid For domestic violence and abuse sufferers

 Birmingham Crisis Centre supported safe housing, counselling services

GreenSquareAccord emergency short-term housing, floating support, help with legal advice

Trident Group domestic abuse helpline for men and women, emergency refuge and long term supported housing, help for female rough sleepers, floating support services

Anawim support with housing, mental health, finances, and access to legal aid, counselling services

Gilgal Birmingham supported safe housing, practical and emotional support for women and children

The Salvation Army supported safe housing

Men’s Advice Line help to understand rights and options, support to access refuge for male victims