Incident Management

At New Growth Care Group, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients, staff, and the broader community. Our Incident Management Policy is designed to effectively manage and respond to incidents, ensuring continuous improvement in our service delivery.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear framework for the identification, reporting, management, and resolution of incidents. It aims to protect the rights of our clients, ensure compliance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) requirements, and promote a safe and supportive environment.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, clients, and stakeholders of New Growth Care Group. It covers all types of incidents, including but not limited to:

Accidents and injuries
Abuse and neglect
Client behavior that poses a risk
Property damage
Medication errors
Privacy breaches

Definitions

Incident: Any event or circumstance that leads to, or could lead to, unintended harm or damage.
Critical Incident: An incident that results in serious harm or poses a significant risk to the health, safety, or well-being of a person.
Near Miss: An incident that did not result in harm but had the potential to do so.

Reporting Incidents

All incidents must be reported as soon as possible. The process includes:

Immediate Action: Ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
Report: Notify the relevant supervisor or manager and the NDIS Commission where applicable.
Documentation: Complete an Incident Report Form, providing detailed information about the incident.
Notification: Report critical incidents to the NDIS Commission within the required timeframe.

Incident Management

Initial Response:

Ensure immediate safety and care for all parties involved.
Provide medical attention if necessary.
Secure the incident scene if required.

Investigation:

Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Gather statements from witnesses and involved parties.
Review relevant documentation and evidence.

Action Plan:

Develop an action plan to address the root cause of the incident.
Implement corrective and preventive measures.
Assign responsibilities and timelines for completing actions.

Review and Monitoring:

Monitor the implementation of the action plan.
Review the effectiveness of measures taken.
Make necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.

Communication and Support

Clients and Families: Provide clear and compassionate communication to clients and their families about the incident and actions taken.
Staff: Ensure staff receive appropriate support and training to handle incidents effectively.
Stakeholders: Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders as required.

Continuous Improvement

New Growth Care Group is committed to continuous improvement in our incident management practices. We regularly review incident data to identify trends and areas for improvement. Feedback from clients, staff, and stakeholders is encouraged to enhance our policies and procedures.

Privacy and Confidentiality

All information related to incidents is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Personal information is handled in accordance with privacy laws and regulations.

Review

This Incident Management Policy is reviewed annually or following a significant incident to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with current legislation and best practices.