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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Requesting Medical Support: GP, Paramedic, and Specialist Services Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} has a structured, timely, and effective approach to requesting medical support from General Practitioners (GPs), paramedics, and specialist services for our service users. This policy aligns with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Act 2014, and the NHS Constitution to safeguard the health and well-being of those in our care.

This policy aims to:

• Ensure timely access to appropriate medical professionals.
• Protect the rights and dignity of service users while receiving healthcare.
• Promote proactive healthcare planning through regular medical reviews.
• Ensure compliance with CQC’s fundamental standards regarding safe care and treatment.
• Support staff in recognising when medical assistance is required and how to escalate appropriately.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteers.
• All service users receiving care within {{org_field_name}}.
• Healthcare professionals involved in providing medical support.
• Families, advocates, and external agencies involved in a service user’s healthcare decisions.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014:
  • Regulation 9 – Person-Centred Care
  • Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect
  • Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment
  • Regulation 13 – Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment
  • Regulation 17 – Good Governance
  • Regulation 18 – Staffing
• Care Act 2014 – Duty to promote well-being and prevent deterioration.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Ensuring consent and decision-making are legally compliant.
• NHS Constitution – Right to timely healthcare access.
• General Medical Council (GMC) and Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Guidelines on requesting medical support.

4. Identifying the Need for Medical Support

4.1 Routine Medical Care

Service users must have regular access to healthcare to maintain their well-being. This includes:

• Routine GP check-ups and monitoring of chronic conditions.
• Annual health reviews and preventative screenings.
• Vaccinations and health promotion support.
• Medication reviews to ensure effective treatment.

4.2 Urgent Medical Needs

Staff must be trained to identify signs of medical distress and escalate accordingly. Urgent needs include:

• Sudden illness or deterioration (e.g., high fever, severe pain, unresponsiveness).
• Breathing difficulties or suspected heart problems.
• Serious infections requiring immediate attention.
• Signs of a stroke (FAST test).
• Severe mental health crises (e.g., suicidal ideation, severe anxiety episodes).

4.3 Emergency Medical Situations

Staff must immediately call 999 in cases of:

• Cardiac arrest or suspected heart attack.
• Severe respiratory distress.
• Severe injury or trauma (e.g., falls, fractures, heavy bleeding).
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
• Unconsciousness or seizures lasting more than 5 minutes.
• Suspected overdose or poisoning.

5. Procedures for Requesting Medical Support

5.1 Contacting a GP

Staff must:

1. Call the service user’s registered GP and explain the concern clearly.
2. Provide a full medical history, including medications and symptoms.
3. Arrange an appointment (in-person, telephone, or home visit as necessary).
4. Document all communications in the service user’s care records.
5. Follow up on GP recommendations and ensure medication/treatment plans are updated.

If the GP is unavailable, staff must:

• Call NHS 111 for non-emergency medical advice.
• Seek pharmacist consultation for minor ailments where appropriate.

5.2 Contacting Paramedic Services (Emergency and Non-Emergency)

For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions requiring ambulance support, staff must:

1. Call 999 for emergencies or 111 for urgent concerns.
2. Provide clear details on the service user’s condition and medical history.
3. Ensure a staff member accompanies the service user if transported to the hospital.
4. Notify next of kin or advocates if applicable.
5. Record all actions and outcomes in the service user’s care file.

5.3 Accessing Specialist Services

Referrals to specialist healthcare providers must be:

• Requested via GP for planned specialist interventions.
• Urgently arranged if symptoms suggest a specialist review is needed (e.g., oncology, neurology, psychiatric assessment).
• Followed up to ensure timely appointments and continued care.

Staff must work closely with NHS teams, district nurses, and allied health professionals to coordinate effective specialist care.

6. Ensuring Safe and Dignified Healthcare Access

6.1 Service User Consent

• All medical interventions must be consented to, in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• If a service user lacks capacity, a best interest decision must be made in collaboration with families and advocates.
• Service users have the right to refuse treatment, and this must be respected unless it results in significant harm.

6.2 Safeguarding Considerations

• If a service user refuses urgent medical treatment and is at risk of harm, a safeguarding referral must be made under Regulation 13.
• Staff must escalate concerns if medical neglect, abuse, or lack of access to treatment is suspected.
• CQC must be informed of any incidents that impact a service user’s safety and well-being.

7. Staff Training and Responsibilities

7.1 Training Requirements

All staff must receive mandatory training on:

• Recognising medical emergencies and escalation protocols.
• Basic life support (BLS) and first aid.
• Mental health first aid and crisis intervention.
• Handling medical records and confidentiality (GDPR compliance).

7.2 Roles and Responsibilities

• Support Workers & Carers: Identify risks, observe symptoms, and initiate medical requests.
• Senior Care Staff: Coordinate healthcare access and liaise with medical professionals.
• Registered Manager: Oversee policy compliance and quality monitoring of medical interventions.

8. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

8.1 Documentation and Reporting

• All medical requests and interventions must be recorded in the service user’s care plan.
• Incident reports must be completed and reviewed for emergency cases.
• Patterns in healthcare referrals and emergency calls will be audited to identify areas for improvement.

8.2 Quality Assurance and Policy Compliance

• Quarterly audits will be conducted on medical support requests and response times.
• Feedback from service users, families, and staff will be used to refine policies.
• Annual policy reviews will ensure compliance with CQC standards and NHS guidelines.

9. Related Policies

• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Policy
• Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• Emergency Response and First Aid Policy

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if significant regulatory or operational changes occur. Updates will be communicated to all staff, and refresher training will be provided where necessary.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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