Choking remains one of the most significant and preventable risks facing people who receive care and support. While incidents can have devastating consequences, national learning consistently shows that effective prevention is possible when risks are recognised early, staff are well trained, and organisations embed safe practice into everyday care.
Care England’s latest white paper explores what good choking prevention looks like across social care, supported living, and community settings.
Karen Roberts, Head of Health and Clinical Governance at Lifeways and Co-Chair of the North East and Yorkshire SCNACs told us: “I am delighted to have contributed to Care England’s Preventing Choking Deaths Among People with Learning Disabilities guidance as part of a multidisciplinary working group. The guidance brings together practical, evidence-informed approaches to identifying and reducing choking risks while promoting dignity, choice and quality of life for people with learning disabilities. It highlights the importance of person-centred care, early risk recognition, multidisciplinary collaboration and empowering staff with the knowledge and confidence to provide safe support.
I hope this resource will help providers and care teams strengthen practice, improve outcomes and ultimately reduce avoidable deaths associated with choking. By embedding good practice across the sector, we can make mealtimes safer, more positive and more person-centred for the people we support.”
