SPOC: when something is just not right

Pathway options for adult referrals are GP assistance and social care; this means that when you make a referral for anyone over the age of 18 you will be directed down one of these two pathways. The SPOC call handler will support and advise you about the correct pathway and its criteria.

The biggest change is that from this point onwards, staff no longer need to call the local authority for any referral they make. The safeguarding team just ask you to let SPOC know of any issues, and they will send the information onto the relevant agencies.

GP assistance

This is a term used by the Trust for a person who may need some help from their GP, e.g. a medical review, meals on wheels, care packages, mental health assessment, or alcohol services etc.

Social care referral

This identifies a person to the local authority because they are either at risk from a perpetrator or they themselves pose a risk to others.

Mental health and pathway options

Mental health patients who live alone and do not put others at risk by their behaviour or environment are still considered to be adults at risk and will need GP help.

Mental health patients who are care providers to either children or other adults (who may need help and support from that adult) need a social care referral along with any other person living in that environment. The patient will need services to help with their medical condition and support with caring for the children or adult at the location. Everyone in the house will need a separate referral.

Self-neglect or unable to cope

If the patient lives alone and is unable to cope, self-neglects or is non-compliant to medication, they will need help from a GP.

Some patients can place others at risk, e.g. there’s animal waste on the floor or they leave the gas on, or they care for another adult or a child for example. These patients pose a risk to others by their problematic behaviour and need to be highlighted to social care. Again everyone in the house will need a separate referral.

Thank you for your commitment to safeguarding and helping those at risk within the communities we support.

Any questions please contact the safeguarding team on 01954 712436, or at eoeasnt.eoe-safeguarding@nhs.net.