1.
POLICY STATEMENT It is the policy of Kirklees Primary Care Trust (the PCT) that the safety and security of patients, clients and employees are paramount. The PCT will therefore strive to prevent alcohol and substance misuse problems in the workplace. It has therefore established this policy, in order to protect the service users and the interests of the individual. Alcohol and substance misuse can have a detrimental effect on performance. It can lead to concerns relating to safety, poor performance, absenteeism, lateness, behaviour and team morale and have an adverse effect of the health of individuals. Substance misuse refers to illegal substances including the misuse of legal drugs, for example not following prescribed medication instructions. It is the policy of the PCT that individuals who have identified alcohol and substance misuse problems will be offered help and support in an environment which is caring, informal and confidential. The policy should be considered alongside the laws relating to alcohol and illegal substances, including those relevant to health and safety at work. It should also be read in conjunction with the PCT procedure on alcohol and substance misuse issues within the workplace and the policies and procedures on sickness, health and safety and discipline. All employees have a duty of care for themselves and others under health and safety legislation. They must report any concerns about other colleagues or health care professionals who they feel may be under the influence of alcohol, illegal or prescription substances. Employees and officers of the PCT must ensure that they are fit to undertake their duties whilst at work or whilst engaged on PCT business, including on call commitments. They must be mindful of the time required for the body to recuperate from the effects of alcohol. Employees and officers of the PCT should not drink alcohol or take substances that could affect their performance whilst on the organisations premises, during any working hours, in their statutory breaks or in the hours immediately preceding their shift ( subject to the exclusions outlined in paragraphs 4 and 6 of the procedure).
2.
THE AIMS OF THE POLICY 2.1
The aims of this policy are:(a)
To prevent and minimise any risk to patients and service users that may occur from alcohol and substance misuse by employees of the PCT.
Page 3 of 16