What happens if your patient wants no
action to be taken
• Frequently people experiencing, or at risk of abuse will elect to
take no action.
• Even if the patient decides they want no further action to be taken
you should always discuss basic protection planning with them
and document that conversation.
• Doing nothing should never be an option. Staff should always
robustly document any concerns and attempt to provide initial
safety advice. Consent can be overridden if there is a wider public
interest or a criminal act has been disclosed, or
• If you believe that are a child/ unborn is at risk of harm then
patient consent to refer would be over written and children
safeguarding procedures should be followed.