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SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Darlington Opticians Merthyr Tydfil & Tredegar

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Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Darlington Opticians is committed to protecting the welfare, safety, and rights of children, young people, and adults at risk. We follow:

  • NHS Wales safeguarding principles

  • Local Health Board safeguarding arrangements

  • GOC Standards for Optical Businesses

  • WGOS service requirements, including urgent care and Independent Prescribing pathways

  • UK legislation including the Social Services and Well‑being (Wales) Act 2014

Your active tab confirms that WGOS services, including Independent Prescribing, operate under NHS Wales governance and may vary by Local Health Board . Safeguarding responsibilities apply across all WGOS levels.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff (clinical, dispensing, administrative, mobile service staff)

  • Contractors and locums

  • Students and trainees

  • Anyone delivering WGOS or private services on behalf of the practice

Safeguarding applies across all services, including:

  • NHS and private eye examinations

  • Urgent and emergency eyecare

  • Independent Prescribing (WGOS 5)

  • Screening (glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts)

  • Low‑vision services

  • Contact lens care

  • Mobile services (WGOS Mobile)

Definitions

Children

Anyone under 18 years of age.

Adults at Risk

Adults who may be unable to protect themselves from harm due to disability, illness, age, cognitive impairment, or coercion.

Safeguarding

Actions taken to prevent harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or inappropriate treatment.

Responsibilities

Practice Owner / Safeguarding Lead

Paul Darlington MCOptom Responsible for:

  • Maintaining safeguarding procedures

  • Ensuring staff training

  • Liaising with Local Health Board safeguarding teams

  • Ensuring compliance with WGOS and NHS Wales requirements

All Staff

Must:

  • Recognise signs of abuse or neglect

  • Report concerns immediately

  • Record concerns accurately

  • Treat all patients with dignity and respect

  • Follow confidentiality and data protection rules

  • Escalate concerns through the correct safeguarding pathway

WGOS guidance emphasises the importance of following Local Health Board instructions and pathways.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Staff must be alert to:

  • Physical injuries or unexplained marks

  • Emotional distress, fear, withdrawal

  • Neglect (poor hygiene, untreated conditions)

  • Financial exploitation

  • Domestic abuse

  • Inappropriate behaviour from carers or family

  • Concerns raised during urgent or Independent Prescribing appointments (e.g., sudden injuries, trauma)

WGOS urgent care and Independent Prescribing services may involve patients discharged from hospital or referred from other providers, requiring heightened safeguarding awareness.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

  1. Ensure immediate safety of the patient.

  2. Report the concern to the Safeguarding Lead immediately.

  3. Record the concern clearly, factually, and promptly.

  4. Do not investigate — this is the role of safeguarding authorities.

  5. Follow Local Health Board safeguarding procedures, which may vary by region.

  6. Escalate urgent risks to police or social services if necessary.

Confidentiality & Information Sharing

We share safeguarding information only when:

  • It is necessary to protect a child or adult at risk

  • There is a legal requirement

  • NHS Wales or Local Health Board safeguarding teams request information

  • WGOS pathways require escalation or referral refinement

Information is shared securely and proportionately.

Safeguarding in Clinical Pathways

Safeguarding applies across all clinical services, including:

Urgent & Emergency Eyecare

Patients may present with injuries, trauma, or unexplained symptoms requiring safeguarding consideration.

Independent Prescribing (WGOS 5)

Practitioners may manage patients discharged from hospital or referred from other WGOS practitioners. Safeguarding concerns must be escalated immediately.

Referral Refinement & Monitoring (WGOS 4)

Concerns identified during monitoring must be shared with appropriate authorities.

Mobile Services

Extra vigilance is required when visiting patients in their homes or care settings.

Training

All staff must complete:

  • Mandatory safeguarding training

  • WGOS mandatory training relevant to their role

  • Updates when guidance changes

WGOS guidance emphasises that practitioners must follow Local Health Board communication and implementation instructions.

Record Keeping

Safeguarding records must include:

  • Date and time

  • Factual description of concern

  • Who raised the concern

  • Actions taken

  • Who the concern was escalated to

  • Any follow‑up required

Records are stored securely in line with UK GDPR and NHS Wales IG standards.

Review of This Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • WGOS manuals change (WGOS 5 manual referenced on your active tab)

  • Local Health Board safeguarding procedures change

  • NHS Wales updates safeguarding guidance

  • Significant events identify learning

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