Protecting vulnerable adults in Lewisham
We are committed to protecting adults at risk.
An adult at risk is defined as a person over the age of 18 years or over who is in need of care and support regardless of whether they are receiving support, and because of those needs are unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect. The safeguarding of adults at risk is an integral part of the NHS services we plan, buy and monitor (commission) in Lewisham.
We have designated safeguarding professionals in place for safeguarding adults supporting all aspects of this work and works according to the principles laid down in the Safeguarding Vulnerable People in the NHS Accountability and Assurance Framework (2015) which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the health service.
The Lewisham CCG Accountable Officer ensures that the responsibility to safeguard and prevention of harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults is discharged effectively across the whole health economy through Lewisham CCGs commissioning arrangements.
The six principles that underpin all safeguarding work are:
- Empowerment Adults are encouraged to make their own decisions and are provided with support and information
- Prevention Strategies are developed to prevent abuse and neglect that promotes resilience and self determination
- Proportionate A proportionate and least intrusive response is made balanced with the level of risk
- Protection Adults are offered ways to protect themselves and there is a coordinated response to adult safeguarding
- Partnership Local solutions through services working together within their communities
- Accountability Accountability and transparency in delivering a safeguarding response
Safeguarding is fundamentally about managing risk surrounding the well being and safety of the individual.