CQC Quality Statements
Theme 3 – How the local authority ensures safety in the system: Safe systems, pathways and transitions
We statement
Lancashire County Council work with people and our partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety is managed, monitored and assured. We ensure continuity of care, including when people move between services.
What people expect
When I move between services, settings or areas, there is a plan for what happens next and who will do what, and all the practical arrangements are in place.
I feel safe and supported to understand and manage any risks.
CONTENTS
1. Making a Safeguarding Referral to the Local Authority
There are two situations in which a member of staff in the local authority or any partner agency, who works outside of office hours, for example health and police staff, should make a referral to the Out of Hours Team
- When an adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect but the situation does not indicate an immediate risk of harm, they should make a referral to the appropriate local authority referral point the next working day. If the member of staff is concerned that immediate action is required or there is an urgent risk they should make a referral to the local authority’s Out of Hours team (adults).Where the professional believes a crime has been committed they should also contact the police. They should follow their own agency’s safeguarding procedures, as well as those of the Safeguarding Adults Board.
- When an adult is experiencing or at risk of needing urgent care and support, and the situation does not indicate an immediate risk of harm, they should make a referral to the appropriate local authority referral point the next working day.
If the member of staff is concerned that immediate action is required or there is an urgent risk they should make a referral to the local authority’s Out of Hours team (adults).
2. Taking Immediate Action to Protect an Adult
If a safeguarding alert or referral is received by the Out of Hours team, which indicates an adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and there is an immediate or urgent risk, the worker who receives the alert or referral must take all steps necessary to protect the adult. This includes arranging emergency medical treatment, contacting the police and taking any other action to ensure the adult is safe.
See also Safeguarding Adults Procedures
3. Case Recording and Handover
Whether or not any immediate action is necessary, the Out of Hours team worker should record the facts concerning the alleged abuse or neglect on the adult’s electronic social care record. The worker should pass all necessary information to the relevant team in adult social care before the end of their shift. If the case is already allocated the out of hours worker will notify the allocated worker.
See also Information Sharing, Record Keeping and Confidentiality.
