Should pressure ulcers
and falls be seen as
safeguarding issues?
YES
NO
IT DEPENDS ON THE CONTEXT
A JUDGEMENT CALL
Root Cause Analysis
How might pressure ulcers and falls be a
safeguarding issue?
 Neglect and acts of omission
 Ignoring medical or physical care needs
 Failure to provide access to appropriate health, social
care or educational services.
 The with holding of the necessitates of life such as
medication, adequate nutrition and heating
Serious Untoward Incidents (SUI’s) – Grade 1 includes
Grade 3 pressure ulcers
NPSA
An adverse event – Leading to unintentional harm and
suffering
Potential safety incident – unintentional or unexpected
incident
Language
Omission
Neglect
Abuse