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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safe Care and Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how {{org_field_name}} ensures the provision of safe care and treatment in line with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations. It ensures that residents receive high-quality, safe, and effective care while minimising risks and promoting well-being. This policy provides clear guidance to staff and CIW inspectors on how {{org_field_name}} manages safe care and treatment efficiently.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, management, and service users within {{org_field_name}}. It governs all aspects of safe care and treatment, including medication management, infection prevention, risk management, clinical governance, and emergency procedures. It also covers how we ensure continuous improvement in safety standards.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Sets the legal framework for ensuring safe care provision.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensures workplace safety, reducing risks to staff and residents.
• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Promotes the well-being of individuals receiving care.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Governs the handling of hazardous substances.
• The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017 – Specifies provider responsibilities for delivering compliant, safe care services.
• CIW Guidance on Quality of Care and Safety – Sets expectations for care providers regarding best practice in safety management.

4. Key Areas of Safe Care and Treatment

4.1. Risk Assessment and Management To ensure residents’ safety, we:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments upon admission and review them regularly.
• Identify potential hazards, including falls, pressure ulcers, and medication errors.
• Implement personalised risk management plans tailored to individual needs.
• Train staff in risk assessment procedures and ensure they understand their role in maintaining a safe environment.

4.2. Medication Management Proper medication management is essential to ensure residents receive the right treatment safely. We achieve this by:

• Storing and handling medications in compliance with the Medicines Act 1968 and CIW guidelines.
• Ensuring all medications are administered by trained and competent staff.
• Conducting regular medication audits to identify errors and ensure compliance with best practice.
• Maintaining accurate medication records, including administration, refusals, and side effects.

4.3. Infection Prevention and Control Preventing the spread of infections is a critical aspect of safe care. At {{org_field_name}}, we:

• Adhere to Public Health Wales infection control guidelines.
• Ensure that hand hygiene protocols are strictly followed.
• Implement cleaning schedules and use appropriate disinfectants.
• Provide regular infection control training to all staff.
• Monitor and report infection outbreaks to local health authorities as required.

4.4. Clinical Governance and Quality Assurance To maintain high standards of safe care, we:

• Conduct regular clinical audits to monitor care quality and compliance.
• Hold monthly governance meetings to review incident reports and identify improvement areas.
• Encourage a culture of learning, where staff can report safety concerns without fear of blame.
• Use resident and family feedback to improve safety protocols.

4.5. Falls Prevention and Mobility Support Falls are a significant risk in care settings. We minimise this risk by:

• Conducting fall risk assessments upon admission and reviewing them regularly.
• Providing mobility aids and adaptations tailored to residents’ needs.
• Training staff in safe moving and handling techniques.
• Ensuring the care home environment is free from trip hazards and has appropriate safety features such as handrails and non-slip flooring.

4.6. Emergency Procedures and Contingency Planning Emergencies require a swift and effective response. We ensure safety by:

• Having comprehensive emergency protocols covering fires, medical emergencies, and power failures.
• Training staff in first aid and CPR to handle medical emergencies effectively.
• Conducting regular fire drills and ensuring all staff understand evacuation procedures.
• Maintaining emergency contact lists for health services and next of kin.

4.7. Safeguarding and Protection from Abuse All residents have the right to feel safe and free from abuse. To ensure this, we:

• Have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, neglect, and poor treatment.
• Train staff in safeguarding procedures, ensuring they know how to identify and report abuse.
• Ensure prompt reporting of safeguarding concerns to the local authority safeguarding team and CIW.
• Conduct thorough background checks on all staff before employment.

4.8. Nutrition, Hydration, and Safe Food Handling Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for health and well-being. We ensure this by:

• Providing balanced, nutritious meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs.
• Conducting hydration monitoring for residents at risk of dehydration.
• Training staff in safe food handling and hygiene in compliance with Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations.
• Ensuring residents’ dietary preferences and restrictions are documented and followed.

4.9. Safe Handling of Equipment and Medical Devices Medical devices and care equipment must be used safely to prevent harm. We ensure this by:

• Conducting regular equipment maintenance and safety checks.
• Training staff in the correct use of medical devices.
• Ensuring residents have access to assistive technology and mobility aids suited to their needs.

4.10. Staff Training and Competency in Safe Care Ensuring staff are competent in safe care practices is critical. We achieve this by:

• Providing mandatory health and safety training for all new staff.
• Conducting regular refresher courses on key safety topics, including moving and handling, infection control, and safeguarding.
• Holding supervision and competency assessments to evaluate staff knowledge and application of safety procedures.

5. Related Policies

• CHW07: Person-Centred Care Policy
• CHW08: Dignity and Respect Policy
• CHW11: Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy
• CHW13: Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CHW16: Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CHW17: Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18: Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW19: Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
• CHW21: Medication Management and Administration Policy

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in legislation, CIW regulations, or operational needs occur. Updates will be communicated to all relevant staff to ensure compliance and best practice within {{org_field_name}}.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.