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Violence Policy
The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.
Zero Tolerance
We want to keep our staff safe, so far as reasonably possible.
We are therefore committed to a policy that deals with the risk of violence to members of staff in an effective and pragmatic way.
Definition Of Violence
Any incident where a partner or member of staff is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, involving either explicit or implicit risks to their safety, wellbeing or health. This includes:
- Serious or persistent harassment including racial and sexual harassment
- Threat with anything that could be regarded as a weapon
- Major and minor injuries
This definition covers action by anyone, including patients, visitors to the premises, partners and members of staff.
Objectives
We recognise the difficult and complex nature of health care delivery, including dealing with patients and clients (who may be physically or mentally ill, under stress or confused). We also recognise that relatives or friends of our patients may contribute to the potential for violence.
We wish to maintain our established culture that any sort of violence towards partners and staff at Horfield Health Centre is totally unacceptable.
In support of that, our aims include:
- A working environment including adequate staffing levels, conducive to the avoidance of potential or actual violence.
- Provision of information and training to staff on handling potential or actual violence, including summoning assistance.
- Positive support to staff involved in violent incidents.
- A system to monitor and review any violent incidents that occur.
The Priorities
It should be clearly understood by all that in any situation, the prevention and avoidance of violence is of paramount importance. Active defence will be a last resort. Where patients, visitors or clients are involved, the emphasis must be on safeguarding them from harm, even in cases where they contribute to the disturbance.
Responsibilities Involved
It is our responsibility to ensure this policy is in place, is complied with and is effective in dealing with episodes of violence and aggression. We will carry out specific risk assessments where appropriate, and take additional steps where it is felt necessary.
In addition, each person working at Horfield Health Centre has a personal responsibility for their own safety and that of others, i.e. patients, visitors, and colleagues.
Helping Employees After An Incident
It is hoped that partners and staff will react to incidents in an appropriate manner. Following any incident, where required, we will provide appropriate support mechanisms (such as occupational health advice, counselling, security advice, support in dealing with the police or making compensation claims, etc.)