Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Safeguarding Adults is everybody's business and doing nothing isn't an option - you must report your concerns. This information on this web page is to help inform the public about Bristol community Health's role in Safeguarding Adults.

We are committed to ensuring that all vulnerable clients are protected and safeguarded from abuse, and we are registered with the Care Quality Commission as we provide regulated services. Safeguarding people who use services from abuse regulation 11 (outcome 7) is integral to us as we work predominantly with adults and older people who have complex healthcare needs.

The Safeguarding Adults Process is the responsibility of the Local Authority however, we have a duty to safeguard vulnerable clients, to act on any concerns and to ensure the situation is appropriately assessed and investigated.

We are also a key member of the Bristol Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAB) and contribute to the work of safeguarding adults in Bristol in the following four main areas:

• policy and practice
• publicity and information
• quality assurance
• training

What does this service do?

We provide expert advice and support to our own staff who have concerns about about the welfare a vulnerable adult.

All our clinical staff receive in-house safeguarding awareness training (level 1) and safeguarding adults training (level 2). This training is updated every 3 years and the Mental Capacity Act (2005) is incorporated into the training.

Who are vulnerable adults?

A vulnerable adult is someone over 18 who has, or may need; help with their everyday living tasks and who is, for any reason, unable to protect themselves. This can include:

• disabled people who have physical or sensory impairments
• people who have learning difficulties
• people who experience mental ill health
• older people
• people who live in care homes

What is meant by abuse?

Abuse is the violation of an individual's human and civil rights by someone else. Abuse might be unintentional, the important factor is whether the vulnerable person is harmed or not. Abuse can be:

• physical
• sexual
• psychological / emotional
• financial / material
• neglect
• discriminatory
• institutional

What to do if you suspect abuse

If you are worried about someone or suspect abuse please click here or on the Bristol Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board icon below, to access the Bristol City Council Safeguarding Adults website pages.