The Children’s Wellness Centre is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment for all clients, patients, children, young people, families, staff, self-employed Associate Clinical Practitioners, associates and visitors.

We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health, and to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone accessing or working within our clinics.

Health and safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone working in or visiting the Centres is expected to comply with this policy and associated procedures.

 

Responsibilities

The Clinic Will:

· Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and standards.

· Provide safe premises, equipment and facilities.

· Carry out and regularly review risk assessments.

· Provide appropriate information, instruction and guidance on health and safety matters.

· Ensure accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded and reviewed.

· Promote a culture of safety and wellbeing throughout The Clinic.

 

Staff and Clinical Practitioners Will:

· Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

· Follow organisational policies, procedures and risk assessments.

· Use equipment safely and report any faults, hazards or concerns.

· Report accidents, incidents and near misses promptly.

· Maintain appropriate supervision of children and young people when they are under their care.

· Adhere to safeguarding procedures and professional standards.

 

Clients, Patients, Parents, Carers and Visitors are Expected To:

· Follow all safety instructions and clinic rules.

· Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.

· Supervise children unless they are under the direct care of a Clinical Practitioner.

· Report any hazards or concerns to a member of staff.

 

Risk Assessment

The Clinic will:

· Identify hazards within the workplace, including slips, trips, equipment hazards and infection risks.

· Assess who may be harmed and how, including children, young people, adults, staff and visitors.

· Implement appropriate control measures to reduce identified risks.

· Review risk assessments regularly and whenever significant changes occur.

 

Premises and Environment

The Clinic will ensure that:

· Premises are clean, tidy and well maintained.

· Floors, walkways and emergency exits remain clear and unobstructed.

· Furniture and equipment are safe, stable and appropriate for their intended use.

· Lighting, heating and ventilation are suitable and maintained.

· Fire exits are clearly identified and kept accessible at all times.

 

Equipment and Resources

· All clinical, therapeutic and assessment equipment will be suitable for purpose and maintained in good condition.

· Toys, sensory equipment and resources used with children and young people will be age-appropriate and regularly checked.

· Damaged equipment will be removed from use immediately.

· Children and young people will be supervised appropriately when using equipment and resources.

 

Infection Prevention and Hygiene

 

The Clinic is committed to maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control.

 

This includes:

· Having an Illness and Infection Control Policy in place.

· Promoting effective hand hygiene.

· Maintaining cleaning schedules for rooms, toys, resources and equipment.

· Using disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment where appropriate.

· Asking clients, practitioners or staff who are unwell to postpone appointments in accordance with the Illness and Infection Control Policy.

· Ensuring bodily fluid spills are cleaned safely and promptly.

 

Safeguarding, Client Safety and Professional Practice

Clients will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all times.

 

Employees and Clinical Practitioners will:

· Adhere to relevant professional standards and codes of conduct.

· Follow safeguarding procedures relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

· Ensure children and young people are supervised appropriately during sessions.

· Report and record any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a client in accordance with organisational policies.

 

Fire Safety and Emergencies

The Clinic will ensure that:

· A Fire Safety Policy is in place.

· Fire exits and evacuation routes are clearly displayed.

· Fire detection and firefighting equipment are appropriately maintained.

· Emergency procedures are communicated to staff and practitioners.

· First aid supplies are readily available and accessible.

 

First Aid, Accidents and Incident Reporting

· All employed staff will receive appropriate First Aid training.

· All accidents, incidents and near misses will be recorded and reviewed.

· Clients, parents or carers will be informed of incidents affecting them or their child.

· Serious incidents will be reported in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Manual Handling

Employees and Clinical Practitioners will:

· Avoid lifting children, young people, adults or heavy equipment unless necessary.

· Use safe manual handling techniques at all times.

· Seek assistance or use appropriate aids where required.

· Undertake manual handling training, where appropriate.

 

Stress, Wellbeing and Fatigue

The Clinic recognises the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of employees and Clinical Practitioners.

To promote wellbeing, The Clinic will:

· Seek to manage workloads and schedules appropriately.

· Encourage an open culture where concerns regarding stress, fatigue or workload can be raised.

· Support staff and practitioners in maintaining their physical and emotional wellbeing.

· Promote a healthy work-life balance wherever possible.