Safeguarding in Nursing
Safeguarding means protecting people's health, wellbeing, and human rights. It is everyone's responsibility. Nurses must be able to recognise signs of abuse and neglect and know how to respond appropriately.
Types of Abuse
- Physical abuse — Hitting, slapping, pushing, using restraint inappropriately
- Emotional/psychological abuse — Threatening, humiliating, intimidating, isolating
- Sexual abuse — Any non-consensual sexual contact or behaviour
- Financial/material abuse — Stealing money, fraud, coercion around finances
- Neglect — Failing to provide adequate care, food, shelter, or medical attention
- Discriminatory abuse — Abuse based on race, religion, disability, age, or sexuality
- Organisational abuse — Systematic poor care within an institution
- Self-neglect — A person failing to care for their own health and safety
- Domestic abuse — Controlling behaviour between intimate partners or family members
- Modern slavery — Forcing someone to work against their will
Recognising Signs of Abuse
Signs may include: unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fear of certain individuals, poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, and unusual financial transactions.
Responding to Disclosures
If a patient discloses abuse:
- Listen without judgement
- Stay calm and reassure them
- Do not promise to keep secrets
- Do not question in detail or investigate
- Explain what you will do next
- Document accurately and report to safeguarding lead
Safeguarding Children
Nurses have a legal duty to safeguard children. Key principles include:
- Child protection is everyone's responsibility
- The child's welfare is paramount
- Partner with parents and other agencies
- Follow local safeguarding procedures
- Know the signs of child abuse and neglect
The Mental Capacity Act 2005
Five key principles:
- Presume capacity unless proven otherwise
- Support people to make their own decisions
- People have the right to make unwise decisions
- Best interests — act in the person's best interests
- Least restrictive — choose the option that least restricts rights