Privacy Policy

Brightnest Care Agency

1. Safeguarding Policy

Purpose:

To protect the safety and well-being of all service users.

Policy:

All staff must complete safeguarding training.
Staff are responsible for reporting any signs of abuse or neglect immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
A Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) will be appointed.
Reports must be confidential, detailed, and promptly escalated following local authority procedures.
Reports must be confidential, detailed, and promptly escalated following local authority procedures.

Procedure:

1. Recognize signs of abuse.
2. Record concerns factually.
3. Report immediately to the DSO.
4. Follow escalation procedures.

2. Health & Safety Policy

Purpose:

To provide a safe environment for service users, staff, and visitors.

Policy:

1. All staff will follow BrightNest's Health and Safety guidelines.
2. Risk assessments must be conducted for all service user care plans.
3. Equipment must be regularly maintained and safe for use.

Procedure:

1. Conduct regular safety audits.
2. Staff must report hazards immediately.
3. Update risk assessments every 6 months or following incidents.

3. Medication Handling Policy

Purpose:

To ensure the safe handling, administration, and recording of medication.

Policy:

1. Only trained and authorized staff may administer medications.
2. Medication must be stored securely.
3. All administrations must be recorded immediately on MAR (Medication Administration Records) sheets.

Procedure:

1. Verify the prescription.
2. Administer medication at the correct time.
3. Record dosage and time administered.
4. Report and record any medication errors immediately.

4. Infection Control Policy

Purpose:

To prevent and manage the spread of infections.

Policy:

1. Staff must practice good hand hygiene.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn where necessary.
3. Infection control training is mandatory for all staff.

Procedure:

1. Wash hands before and after every service user interaction.
2. Use appropriate PPE.
3. Report outbreaks to management and health authorities.
4. Follow cleaning and decontamination protocols daily.

5. Complaints Handling Policy

Purpose:

To ensure complaints are managed promptly, fairly, and openly.

Policy:

1. Service users, families, and staff can raise complaints without fear of retaliation.
2. All complaints must be acknowledged within 3 working days.
3. Complaints must be investigated thoroughly.

Procedure:

1. Log complaint in the Complaints Register.
2. Investigate within 14 days.
3. Provide a written response with findings and actions.
4. Monitor outcomes and review policies if necessary.

Document Control:
Created: April 2025
Review Date: April 2026
Responsible Officer: Registered Manager