Collection and returns of keys

Purpose

This procedure describes the actions to be taken to access and return keys stored in a customer’s key safe. Plus those held securely at the Careline Control Centre required for use on emergency and scheduled visits.

Responsibility

All staff

Process

Accessing the key safe

• When accessing a key safe, care must be taken to ensure that no one can see the combination or code being used to access the safe and that staff will not be at risk of attack having drawn the key.
• The key should be drawn and used to enter the customer’s premises. Once inside the member of staff should announce themselves.

Return of keys

• Where customer keys have been used to gain entry to a customer’s home, at the end of the visit the customer’s home should be secured and locked.
• The keys should be returned to the key safe and the key safe locked.

Accessing the keys in the Control Centre

• Once the customer’s keys have been obtained from the key room staff must record in the key book the ID number & time that they keys have been taken out.
• The initials of each staff member visiting the customer must also be recorded in the key book

Return of keys to the Control Centre

• Where customers keys have been used to gain entry to a customer’s home, at the end of the visit the customer’s home should be secured and locked.
• The keys must be returned to the correct hook in the key cabinet with the time recorded in the key book to show that they were returned.