Dental example: Keeping people safe and safeguarding them from abuse

Key question: safe?

Monitoring patient wellbeing

The practice took an active role in safeguarding and patient welfare matters.

For example, if an older patient who previously attended regularly did not attend, or did not make a routine check-up appointment, the practice manager would contact the patient to make sure that all was well with them. If there were any suspicions of deterioration in the patient’s mental or physical wellbeing, these would be reported to the dentist who would contact either the patient's GP or the local safeguarding team.

This was notable practice, as it showed a deep commitment to the overall wellbeing of the people who use the service.

Key line of enquiry (KLOE)

S3: What systems, processes and practices are in place to keep people safe and safeguard them from abuse?

See all the key lines of enquiry for healthcare services.