Unit 422-304 Nvq Diploma Level 3

693 Words3 Pages
Principles for implementing duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings Outcome 1 A duty of care is legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing risk, damage or harm; it is a term for safeguarding myself and others. This involves keeping the individual safe, free from harm and allowing the individual to maintain their independence and their choices. The majority of my patients are elderly and are often vulnerable in different ways whether it be in a physical or cognitive capacity. They require a certain amount of protection from myself and others around them to ensure they are safe from harm and potential risks. All individuals have the right to be safe and to be treated with respect and dignity. In my role I have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of those in my care. By doing risk assessments and taking necessary precautions to avoid accidents or the spread of infection I am carrying out a duty of care in my work role and therefore contributing to the safeguarding of the individual. Outcome 2 Sometimes in my work role a potential conflict or dilemma may arise between my duty of care and the individual’s rights. An example of this may be that the individual may have a disability that restricts them from using resources within the setting, in which case the setting would need to be adapted as their individual rights are not being met. Risk taking could become a conflict also. An individual has the right to experiment and experience challenge in order to help them with development, however, if a carer/practitioner became over protective of the individual then this is conflicting with their duty of care and the patient’s individual rights. Sometimes the patient may want to do something which could be a potential risk to their Health and safety. As a professional you have a duty of
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