Patient Safety and Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: May 2025

EveryDayMeds is committed to protecting the health, safety, dignity, and welfare of all patients, including children and vulnerable adults. This policy outlines our approach to clinical safety, safeguarding, and escalation of concerns.

1. Our Commitment to Patient Safety

We operate a clinically-led service that prioritises safety through:

• Use of qualified prescribers and pharmacists
• Robust online consultation processes
• Strict risk assessment and identity verification
• Clinical review of every prescription before supply

2. Safeguarding Responsibilities

We recognise our duty to protect patients from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Our safeguarding responsibilities are in line with:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Care Act 2014
• GPhC Standards for Registered Pharmacies

3. Safeguarding Lead

The Superintendent Pharmacist acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for EveryDayMeds and is responsible for:

• Overseeing safeguarding procedures
• Handling disclosures and referrals
• Ensuring staff are trained and supported

4. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Our team is trained to identify signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Safeguarding concerns may include:

• Unusual medicine requests or misuse patterns
• Disclosures of abuse during communication
• Inappropriate third-party use of accounts

All concerns are escalated to the DSL and, where necessary, referred to appropriate external agencies such as social services or the police.

5. Safeguarding Training

All staff complete:

• Level 2 Safeguarding Training for Children and Adults
• Annual refresher training

6. Online Safeguarding Practices

In a remote environment, we take additional steps to ensure safety:

• Monitoring for suspicious behaviour or repeated orders
• Use of secure communication channels
• Patient verification through ID and address checks

7. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping

All safeguarding concerns are documented securely and separately from general patient records. Access is limited to senior pharmacy staff and reviewed regularly for action.

8. Whistleblowing

We encourage staff to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Our Whistleblowing Policy supports safe internal and external reporting of risks to patients or staff.

9. Contact for Safeguarding Concerns

If you have a concern about the safety of a patient using our services, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Email: info@everydaymeds.co.uk