Section 1 - Policy
1.1 Acuity Care Group recognises the right of Clients to be left alone, undisturbed and free from intrusion. The Client also has a right to privacy with regard to both their personal affairs and their belongings.
1.2 Staff will adhere to the human rights of individuals and work in accordance with professional codes of conduct and company policy and procedures. Intentional breaches of privacy will be investigated fully, and appropriate bodies informed and lessons learnt.
Section 2 - Procedure
2.1 Care Planning at the start of a service
The needs of the Client in relation to privacy will always be considered during the Care Planning stage to ensure that Acuity Care Group can effectively meet the person's needs. This assessment will include what information about them can be shared and with whom
Preferred Client wishes must be communicated to other relevant staff at Acuity Care Group
The Care Planning process will be completed in a private area where the Client can feel able to discuss areas of their care needs. This is particularly relevant if an assessment is taking place in a hospital or respite setting prior to discharge home
2.2 Client Rights
The individual requirement for privacy will be respected at all times and all information relating to individuals will be treated in a confidential manner
Acuity Care Group recognises the right of Clients to be left alone, undisturbed and free from intrusion and public attention. The Client also has a right to privacy with regard to both their personal affairs and their belongings
2.3 Staff Expectation, Behaviour and Professionalism
Staff will follow professional codes of conduct as well as operational policies and procedures when considering privacy for Clients. This includes all staff expectations around professionalism of communication
Staff will only discuss Clients in the work environment if it is for the purpose of assessment, management and evaluation of care
Staff will not discuss any aspect of the Client's care outside of the work environment
2.4 Records Management
Records will be designed, used and stored in a manner which assures privacy
Records will be made available to the Client’s main Care Worker and family according to the wishes of the Client
Staff will refer to the Record Keeping Policy and Procedure for further information and guidance
2.5 Personal Care and Privacy
Particular attention will be given to preserving privacy in the use of bathrooms, toilets and when dressing and undressing. At the same time, health and safety and personal risk management will be considered and discussed
Staff will ensure curtains/blinds are closed in order to ensure privacy during personal care and moving and handling
Any personal and sensitive items that may be deemed as necessary care equipment (such as continence aids, catheters, dressings) will be kept out of view at all times to ensure that privacy is maintained
Staff will always knock on the Client's door and await a response before entering the room. Privacy will be respected around the Client's home at all times
2.6 Photography and Filming
Staff will refer to the policies available with regard to privacy, photography, filming consent and the use of CCTV at Acuity Care Group and to relevant CQC guidance.
2.7 Breach in Privacy
Any breach of the privacy of a Client will be considered a serious event. The incident will be fully investigated in accordance with local procedures and evidence of any lessons learnt recorded, to ensure that the risk of reoccurrence is reduced. Disciplinary action will be taken where the incident is considered to have been caused with intent
Any environmental or equipment fault which reduces the privacy of any Client must be reported to the manager
Breaches of privacy of a serious nature will be referred to the local safeguarding board and a regulatory notification completed by Acuity Care Group manager or delegated other with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience
2.8 Training and Education
Privacy forms part of the Care Certificate for care workers. New staff that have not already completed this will be expected to achieve this unit
Staff will be expected to review their professional code of conduct and be aware of what this means in practice
Privacy will form part of the supervision process at Acuity Care Group as well as staff and Client meetings in order to review practice, seek feedback and determine quality assurance
Staff will receive training on the Data Protection Act and associated regulations
2.9 Capacity and Privacy
The same rights of privacy apply to individuals who are proven to lack capacity, therefore staff must do the following:
Establish any previously expressed views or wishes of the individual regarding privacy from family and others
Observe Client behaviours to identify what the preferences may be for that individual wishing to have privacy
Continue to follow the core principles and practices as detailed within this policy, if deemed in the Client's best interest to do so (in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act) when weighing up privacy. Refer to associated policies and procedures for further guidance
