a1 - roles of people who work in health and social care settings Flashcards
the three sectors
- social care sector
- health care sector
- educational sector
doctors (healthcare)
- first point of contact is GP, to provide preventative care and care for people
- GPs work with other professionals and may refer people to hospital or other professionals
principle responsibilities of doctors -
- diagnosing illnesses and ailments
- discussing and agreeing treatment plans
- prescribing medication and treatment
- monitoring impact of agreed treatment
preventative care and health education services include -
- vaccination programmes for all people
- education and advice on issues such as smoking, healthy eating etc.
- hospital doctors provide specialist healthcare
- consultants normally lead a team of more junior doctors
- types of consultant include cardiologists, psychiatrists, oncologists etc.
nurses (healthcare)
adult nurses -
- wide range of physical conditions
- many work with people in their own homes
- often plan individual care, carry out procedures and treatments and evaluate effectiveness
- work to promote good health
mental health nurses -
- work in residential homes, day care settings, psychiatric wards etc.
- most people with mental health problems are cared for in the community, not in hospitals
children’s / paediatric nurses -
- work closely with parents and carers to ensure that care meets social, cultural, and family needs
- may work in childrens’ own homes or in hospitals
learning disability nurses -
- mainly in community, such as in schools or workplaces, at home or in residential facilities
- aim to maintain physical and mental health, provide healthcare and support them to live independently
district nurses -
- care for all ages, in own homes or residential homes
- work with family members and carers
- assess patient’s needs and care and support needs of informal carers
neonatal nurses -
- newborn babies, in hospital settings and community
- works closely with parents and encourages them to take a practical role
health visitors -
- support for families in early years of child’s life
- support on health issues, weaning, feeding etc.
- routine checks on development
practice nurses -
- work in GP surgeries
- usually take blood samples, carry out immunisations and vaccinations and health screenings
school nurses -
- usually employed by NHS
- provide developmental checks, immunisations and health education programmes
midwives (healthcare)
- support women through all stages of pregnancy (antenatal and postnatal care)
- help families prepare for childhood, delivery babies etc.
- either based in hospital maternity units or the community, providing support in homes, GP practices etc.
healthcare assistants (healthcare)
- work under guidance from qualified healthcare professionals
- may work in GP practices, nursing homes etc.
duties include -
- taking and recording temperatures and pulse
- weighing patients
- taking patients to the toilet
- making beds
- washing and dressing patients
- serving meals and assisting with feeding
social workers (social care)
- provide help and support to people during difficult times, ensure that vulnerable people are protected from harm
adult services -
- for older people, those with disabilities, mental health issues and learning difficulties
- support those living independently and those in residential care
- work very closely with families and carers
occupational therapists (healthcare)
- help for people who struggle with carrying out practical routines of daily life
- these problems may be result of a disability, illness, old age etc.
- agrees specific activities that will help to overcome barriers
- may work in homes, prisons, care settings etc.
youth workers (social care)
- work with people between 11-25, to reach full potential and become responsible members of society
- work in youth centres, schools, colleges etc.
typical youth work activities include -
- delivering programmes related to young people’s concerns (drugs, smoking etc.)
- organising residential activities and projects
- running sports teams
- initiating and managing community projects with young people
- working with parents to support the healthy development of their children
care assistants (social care)
- provide practical help and support for those who struggle with daily activities, such as older people, young people and their families
- work in clients’ homes, day care settings, homes, sheltered housing etc.
- sometimes will work with only one person
duties include -
- helping with personal daily care (washing, dressing, going to the toilet etc.)
- general household tasks (cleaning, laundry, shopping etc.)
- paying bills and writing letters
- liasing with other health and care professionals
care managers (social care)
- key leadership role within residential care settings
manage provision of residential care for -
- adults and young adults with learning difficulties
- older people in residential care or nursing homes
- people in supported housing
- people receiving hospice care
support workers (social care)
- may work under supervision of a range of professionals, such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists
- family support workers work with and support social workers, the social worker identifies what is needed and then the support worker implements this
