A holistic approach

Safeguarding follows basic principles that must be used in a holistic approach to care and not just medicines. It is important that all pharmacy professionals and the wider pharmacy team are aware of and understand possible signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation, and how they should manage these concerns.¹

The main principles of adult safeguarding to remember are:

• People have the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect
• People are supported to make decisions in their own interests
• Any intervention should be the least restrictive of the person’s freedom
• The individual should participate as fully as possible in any decision made
• Professionals should work collaboratively to provide appropriate protection, help and support.

When working with care homes, the whole pharmacy team must feel confident in how to apply safeguarding processes. If at any time you have any concerns, you must apply this knowledge underpinned by your safeguarding training.

You must follow the local safeguarding processes regarding reporting, and therefore you should be able to easily reach all of the relevant local contacts (e.g., the ICB GP/nurse safeguarding lead, Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), NHS safeguarding lead and local safeguarding lead).