November 2021

RISK TAKING AND ASSESSMENT POINTS COVERED INCLUDE: • Why risk assess? • Identifying hazards. • Who may be harmed, and how. • Evaluating risks. • Risk reduction. • Record keeping. Focus on: service users Service users are particularly vulnerable to risks due to disability and increased needs. Some people in your health services will have reduced ability to manage their own risks. This is why it is essential to carry out assessments in order to keep users safe. By identifying hazards that could cause harm, you will then be able to put actions in place to minimise these risks. Five steps to risk assessment Step 1: Identify hazards in the care home, or as part of day-to-day or social care i.e. anything that may cause harm. Hazards and risks will vary between users. A hazard is anything that can cause harm e.g. a chemical, electricity, blocked corridor A risk is how great the chance that someone will be harmed by the hazard To identify hazards and risk, you should use...

Mental Capacity Act   Consent, Mental Capacity and Best Interest Decisions within the Care Environment To ensure compliance with regulations and best practice you should have a robust system in place to evidence consent, mental capacity and best interest decisions for day to day care, treatment and support.   Key Principles: Mental Capacity Act Process within the Care Environment Gaining Consent Process Best Interest Decisions Conducting Reviews Why it is so important to follow the correct process Ensuring Compliance   Consent Consent is giving permission to do something. In mental health and social care settings it usually means that the individual gives consent to take part in an activity or to accept some kind of care or treatment - this could be agreeing to have a shower or a bath - agreeing to take medication, as well as agreeing to have their details shared with others. It is a general principle that valid consent must be obtained for a...