Missing Service User Procedure.

Statement of Correct Course to be Pursued.

It is often difficult to ascertain whether or not a service user has gone missing as more active service users value their mobility and may spend several hours out and about in the local community.

 Staff are therefore asked to consider...

• The ability and behaviour pattern of the service user

• The length of time they are out and the circumstances surrounding their departure, i.e. absconding, shopping, etc.

• The time of day / night.

When it becomes clear that a service user is missing, then the on-call staff should be appraised of the situation immediately and they should direct the subsequent search.  On-call staff will advise staff on what action is to be taken.

Staff members to make enquiries and gather any useful information that the remaining service users may offer.  If no progress is made, then a thorough search of the house and surrounding area should be made in order to ascertain whether the service user is trapped, hurt or lost.

The local police should be alerted and their advice and assistance sought.

Local hospitals could be called to seek information on recent admissions.

On-call staff will decide when it is appropriate to contact members of the missing person’s family and social worker.  They should be given details of the situation and requested to telephone Hayfield if the service user contacts them.

Once the service user has been found, it is essential that all parties who were advised of the emergency are contacted again and informed that the search has been concluded.

An incident report will be required for the service user’s file.

Service users are encouraged to inform "on duty" staff immediately if they are concerned about one of their flat mates.