In the event of medication safeguarding incidents, an investigation as to why the incident happened or nearly happened must be carried out so it can be learnt from, thus preventing it happening again.

Examples of medication-related safeguarding incidents:

• Deliberately withholding medication without a valid reason
• The use of medication for any reason other than beneficially to the service user
• A deliberate attempt to harm the client
• Accidental harm caused through incorrect administration or medication error

Active policy states: All medication related safeguarding incidents must be reported to management. This even includes near misses where no harm was caused. The Care Quality Commission may need to be contacted and local safeguarding processes may proceed. If a crime was committed the police will also need to be involved.