Fife Multi-Agency Adult Protection Guidance - Home Page

nurse, or midwife) and may be required as part of the investigation.Medical examinations may determine if immediate treatment isnecessary, provide evidence to inform criminal prosecutions(conducted under police direction) or assess the adult’s mentalcapacity. A health professional may accompany a council officer duringa visit if this would assist the investigation• Examination of records. The 2007 Act gives council officers the right toseek and obtain records including medical and financial records fromany source (NHS, public, voluntary, commercial) where this wouldassist the investigation. The council officer should provide evidencethat they are authorised to access records to the record holder• The council officer can inspect the records or arrange for someonesuitably qualified and experienced to inspect the records, for example,financial records may require assistance from colleagues within thecouncil’s finance section. Medical records must only be examined by asuitably qualified healthcare professional.4.7 Interviews as part of the investigation processIt is important that those involved in the investigative interview process areclear about their roles and responsibilities. One council officer will lead theinterview process and the supporting officer will record the interview, takingnote of the following:• Confirmation that the adult agreed to answer questions and isaware of his/her right to refuse to answer• A description of where the interview took place and a record of thedate• Those present during the interview• The adult’s attitude and presentation• The start and finish time• The actual interview. Questions asked and replies given makingsure each speaker is identified• Non-verbal signs and long pauses• Breaks in the interview and reasons why these were necessary• Changes in interviewerAs soon as possible after the interview both officers should check thewritten record and agree the contents. The record, including any drawingsetc. should be signed by both officers and the original kept in the adult’sfile.30