CC100 - Choking Policy and Procedure

React Homecare CC100 – Choking Policy and Procedure 1. Purpose 1.1 To enable React Homecare to deliver services that reduce the risk of choking as part of safe and appropriate care. 1.2 To ensure that there is a framework for the identification and assessment of Service Users with dysphagia or those at risk of choking. 2. Scope 2.1 The following roles may be affected by this policy: o All staff 2.2 The following service users may be affected by this policy: o Service Users 2.3 The following stakeholders may be affected by this policy: o Family o Advocates o Commissioners o External health professionals o Local Authority o NHS 3. Objectives 3.1 React Homecare will provide a safe, effective and responsive service to Service Users presenting with eating, drinking or swallowing difficulties and will ensure that assessments are in place that accurately determine the level of dysphagia that they have as well as the associated risks. 3.2 React Homecare will have an individual management plan that is regularly monitored and updated, with Service User involvement to allow the best experience of eating and drinking as possible, whilst keeping risks to a minimum. 4. Policy 4.1 React Homecare recognises that reducing the risk of choking and improving the safety of Service Users who have swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties is an essential part of the safe and appropriate care that meets individual needs and supports their rights. 4.2 React Homecare will ensure that strategies are in place to identify people at risk of choking. This includes access to dental and medical checks. 4.3 React Homecare will ensure that staff are adequately trained to address choking risks, have knowledge of dealing with choking incidents and are able to make a first aid response if the person chokes. All staff will also adhere to this policy and procedure to support the safety and wellbeing of those Service Users with an identified increased risk of choking. Page 1 of 8