Health and Safety Policy Statement

Practice Name: SW Home Healthcare Ltd

Effective Date: 1 July 2025

Review Date: 1 July 2026

Part 1: Statement of Intent

Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work for all our employees, and to provide such information, training, and supervision as they need for this purpose. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of patients and visitors who may be affected by our activities.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements which we will make to implement the policy are set out below.

Part 2: Responsibilities

  • Overall Responsibility: Russell Ham holds ultimate responsibility for H&S.
  • Employee Duties: All staff must cooperate with supervisors, use equipment properly, and report any “near misses” or hazards immediately.
  • H&S Lead: Russell Ham is responsible for day-to-day maintenance of safety standards and risk assessments.

Part 3: Clinical & Practice Arrangements

1. Infection Control (Standard & Transmission-Based)

In accordance with College of Optometrists and NHS Wales guidelines:

  1. Hand Hygiene: All clinical staff must use hand sanitiser gel before and after each patient encounter
  2. Equipment Decontamination: All equipment must be disinfected after every use using [specify disinfectant, e.g., 70% IPA wipes].
  3. PPE: Used as required (e.g., masks during outbreaks or for high-risk patients).

2. Risk Assessments

We conduct regular risk assessments for:

  • Clinical Procedures: Ensuring safe use of diagnostic drugs and non-contact tonometry.
  • Vulnerable Patients: Specific care for patients with mobility issues or those in “vulnerable circumstances” as defined by the GOC 2026 Guidance.
  • Lone Working: Procedures for staff opening/closing the practice alone.

3. Equipment Safety

  • PAT Testing: All electrical equipment (OCT, Field machines, etc.) is tested annually.
  • Maintenance: Ophthalmic equipment is serviced by qualified technicians every [12/24] months.
  • Display Screen Equipment (DSE): Workstation assessments are provided for all administrative and clinical staff using screens.

4. Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

  • A register of all hazardous substances (cleaning chemicals, clinical drops) is kept in the the central office, 24 Yeo Close, Newport NP20 7RS.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all substances.

5. Reporting and Records

  • Accident Book: Located at 24 Yeo Close, Newport NP20 7RS. All incidents involving staff or patients must be recorded.
  • RIDDOR: Major injuries or dangerous occurrences will be reported to the HSE as required by law.

Part 4: Welsh Specific Requirements

As we provide Welsh General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS), we commit to:

  • Submitting our annual Quality for Optometry (QfO) template to the Local Health Board.
  • Adhering to the Code of Practice on Quality Assurance (Wales) 2026 regarding patient safety and escalating concerns.