Adult Safeguarding Hub
The FFLM, supported by NHSE&I, has run three courses on the Forensic Aspects of Adult Safeguarding in 2021/2022 to support experienced practitioners who are keen to learn or improve their skills in documenting injuries and writing reports for the purposes of an adult safeguarding enquiry.
A Forensic Adult Safeguarding Group has been established and at the first meeting in May 2021 developed the following terms of reference:
- To provide time for discussion of cases in a relaxed, nonthreatening environment.
- To share professional experience.
- To review cases to ensure appropriate evidence-based management.
- To view photo-documentation accompanying the case presentation.
- To provide an opportunity for emotional support.
- To provide training for clinicians
- To help identify areas for additional training for the group and/or individuals concerned.
- To stimulate ideas for audit and/or research
Future meeting dates of the Forum are:
- Wednesday 06 December 2023 – 13:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 27 March 2024 – 13:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 12 June 2024 – 13:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 18 September 2024 – 13:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 04 December 2024 – 13:00 to 14:00
The group welcomes all members of the FFLM to attend with any adult safeguarding queries for discussion.
If you would like to attend please email forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk.
Resources as below are being developed for those who are involved in or may be interested in, this field of practice to support collaborative working in this area of practice.
Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day 2023
On Tuesday 18 April, the second ‘Forensic Aspects of Adult Safeguarding’ conference took place virtually. This was a joint venture between the FFLM and NHSE&I. The collaboration is a result of the Humber Forensic Pilot Project looking at injuries sustained by adults at risk of harm as defined by the Care Act 2014.
Over 200 people attended the event. The subjects covered included, a hugely informative lecture on the inherent jurisdiction by Polly Sweeney a partner at Rook Irwin Sweeney. Other sessions included evidence preservation and the overlap of domestic homicide reviews with safeguarding adult reviews. Anna Rycroft, a consultant autopsy pathologist discussed what pathology could and could not add to investigation of deaths of adults at risk of harm. Elisabeth Alton also gave an update on the Humber Forensic Pilot Project. The audience were very engaged with comments such as:
- This has been one of the most useful days of learning for me as a GP – I feel inspired by you all and the amazing work you have all done. Thank you so much.
- I have to say this has been one of the best Adult Safeguarding training events I have attended in a long time, the depth and level of information has been outstanding, equally all the speakers have exercised my brain on what to challenge going forward.
Funding is hoped to be sourced from NHSE&I for a future conference next year.
Forensic Aspects of Adult Safeguarding Course
The FFLM has developed a course on the forensic aspects of adult safeguarding. The course is delivered in two half-day workshops and covers the following topics:
- Consent for examination;
- Documentation and interpretation of common injuries;
- Adult Safeguarding Medical Reports (S42 Inquiry);
- Statement Writing and Courtroom Skills;
- Working with the police and social care.
You can take a look at the programme from one of our previous courses here.
If you would like further details on this course, please contact forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk.
Recordings from our Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day 2022
Recordings from our Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day on 23 April 2022 can be accessed here.
Topics covered include:
- Findings of Fact in the Court of Protection;
- Differentiating between Accidental and Non-Accidental Injuries;
- Working with the Police;
- CPS charging decisions – poor care or neglect?
These presentations are free for FFLM Members and NHS Staff to view.
Recommended Reading
Payne-James JJ, Stark MM. Nittis M. Sheasby D. Chapter 4 Injury Assessment, Documentation, and Interpretation
In Stark MM. (2020) Editor. Clinical Forensic Medicine. A Physician’s Guide. Fourth edition. Springer Nature Switzerland.
ISBN 3030294617
Gall J. & Payne-James JJ. Injury interpretation: Possible errors and fallacies. Chapter 9. pp.253-255
In Current Practice in Forensic Medicine. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, West Sussex, 2011
ISBN 9780470744871
Useful FFLM Publications
View all publications5 May 2022
Proforma – Forensic Examination: Adult Victim of Suspected Assault/Non-Accidental Injury (NAI)
3 May 2020
Recommendations – Child Safeguarding: Information Sharing Guidance for Healthcare Professionals working in Police Custody
24 July 2023
Recommendations for the Collection of Forensic Specimens from Complainants and Suspects
