healthhub.wraysbury.com

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Health Hub – Draft Policy Framework

(Community-Centred Prevention & Support Initiative)

1. Health Hub Purpose & Values Policy

Purpose

The Health Hub exists to provide accessible, community-based, preventative health and wellbeing support for residents of Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury. It aims to reduce health inequalities, improve wellbeing, and help people navigate statutory and voluntary services.

Core Values

  • Accessibility – Open, welcoming, and free at the point of access
  • Prevention – Early support to reduce escalation and crisis
  • Person-centred – Supporting individuals to make informed choices
  • Partnership – Working collaboratively with NHS, Local Authority, voluntary and independent providers
  • Respect & dignity – Treating all visitors with compassion and fairness
  • Community-led – Rooted in local need and local knowledge

2. Scope of Services Policy

The Health Hub provides:

  • Information, guidance and signposting
  • Health promotion and wellbeing activities
  • Social prescribing support
  • Access to visiting NHS, local authority, voluntary sector and independent practitioners
  • Community-based peer support activities

Important clarification

  • The Health Hub does not provide diagnosis or medical treatment
  • No regulated clinical advice is given by volunteers
  • Any follow-up treatment provided outside the Hub may incur private fees, which must be clearly explained

3. Safeguarding Policy (Adults)

Statement of Commitment

The Health Hub is committed to safeguarding adults at risk and operates in line with:

  • Care Act 2014
  • Local Safeguarding Adults Board guidance
  • NHS safeguarding principles

Key Principles

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
  • Concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly
  • Confidentiality is respected but never overrides safety

Procedure

  1. Immediate risk → emergency services (999)
  2. Safeguarding concern → record concern and escalate to:
    • NHS Adult Social Care representative present, or
    • Local Authority safeguarding team
  3. Hub Manager notified
  4. Incident recorded securely

All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding awareness training.

4. Children & Young People Safeguarding Policy

While the Hub primarily supports adults, children may attend with parents/carers.

  • Any safeguarding concern involving a child must be reported immediately
  • Staff must not be left alone with children
  • Local authority safeguarding procedures apply
  • Allegations are handled without delay

5. Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy

The Health Hub complies with:

  • UK GDPR
  • Data Protection Act 2018

Key Commitments

  • Only essential information is collected
  • Information is shared on a need-to-know basis
  • Consent is sought wherever possible
  • Records are stored securely
  • Visitors are informed how their data is used

Exceptions

Information may be shared without consent where:

  • There is a safeguarding concern
  • There is serious risk of harm
  • Required by law

6. Boundaries, Advice & Liability Policy

Volunteers and staff must:

  • Provide information and support, not diagnosis or treatment
  • Avoid giving regulated advice (medical, legal, financial)
  • Refer visitors to qualified professionals where needed
  • Clearly explain when a service is privately funded

Disclaimer

All information is provided in good faith and does not replace professional advice.

7. Partnership & Visiting Practitioner Policy

Practitioner Requirements

  • Appropriate professional qualifications and registration
  • Valid indemnity insurance
  • Agreement to Hub values and policies
  • Clear explanation of any private services offered outside the Hub

Practitioners must not:

  • Pressure visitors into paid services
  • Use the Hub for aggressive marketing
  • Provide treatment on site unless agreed and insured

8. Volunteer Policy

Volunteer Roles

  • Welcoming and signposting
  • Supporting visitors to navigate services
  • Assisting with activities and events
  • Supporting administration and set-up

Volunteer Commitments

  • Follow Hub policies
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Treat all visitors with respect
  • Attend induction and training
  • Raise concerns promptly

Support

Volunteers are supported by the Hub Manager and provided with supervision and guidance.

9. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

The Health Hub:

  • Is open to all, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or background
  • Makes reasonable adjustments wherever possible
  • Challenges discrimination, stigma and exclusion
  • Promotes dignity and respect at all times

10. Health & Safety Policy

The Health Hub:

  • Ensures a safe environment for visitors, staff and volunteers
  • Conducts basic risk assessments for activities
  • Follows venue safety procedures
  • Records and reviews incidents and near-misses
  • Has clear emergency procedures

11. Complaints & Feedback Policy

We welcome feedback.

Complaints can be:

  • Made verbally
  • Submitted in writing or email
  • Raised with the Hub Manager

Process

  1. Acknowledge within 5 working days
  2. Investigate fairly and proportionately
  3. Respond with outcome and learning
  4. Escalate where appropriate

12. Governance & Accountability Policy

The Health Hub is accountable to:

  • Its host organisation / steering group
  • Funding partners
  • Safeguarding authorities
  • The local community

The Hub Manager is responsible for:

  • Day-to-day operations
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Policy compliance
  • Partnership liaison

13. Review & Updates Policy

All policies are:

  • Reviewed annually
  • Updated in line with legislation or guidance changes
  • Approved by the Hub’s governance group