Guidance Twenty Five - Medical examinations
There are two reasons for considering a medical examination. One is because medical treatment may be needed and the other is that the examination may provide evidence which could be used in prosecution.
| When a vulnerable adult needs urgent medical attention or has recently been assaulted the need for a medical treatment will always precede any other consideration. |
Consent must be obtained prior to any medical intervention from the person requiring the attention/examination in line with local policies on consent to medical treatment. If the person does not have the capacity to consent, reference should be made to best interest decisions using the Nottinghamshire Multi Agency Mental Capacity Policy.
If there is a possibility that forensic evidence can be identified, the Safeguarding Manager should seek the adult’s permission to call the Police in order that they can supervise the medical examination. If the adult cannot consent on their own behalf, the Safeguarding Manager should, after taking advice, consider this course of action if the best interests of the individual and/or wider public deem it appropriate as per the Mental Capacity Act.
More details about the Mental Capacity Act can be found at www.dh.gov.uk