Health and Social Care Act 2012 Flashcards
What is the Health and Social Care Act 2012?
This Act was brought in to change the way that the NHS is run. It has two key principles: to enable patients to have more control over the care they receive, and that those responsible for patient care (the doctors, nurses and others who work in the NHS and social care) have the freedom and power to commission care that meets local needs
What are the key points of the Health and Social Care Act?
- ‘No decision about me without me’
- Clinical commissioning groups
- Health and wellbeing boards
- Public health
- Healthwatch
What is the meaning of ‘No decision about me without me’?
The key guiding principle that patients must be consulted and have a say in their care and treatment (they should be able to choose their GP, consultant, and hospital)
What is the meaning of Clinical commissioning groups?
These are groups led by GPs that decide which services are needed within the local area to meet the needs of people who live there. They can commission (pay for) these services such as hospitals, mental health services, clinics, etc.
What is the meaning of Health and wellbeing boards?
Bring together health and social care commissioners, local councillors and members of the public to try to tackle inequalities and make sure that the local care services are working together for the good of people who live there
What is the meaning of Public health?
Local organisations must have a focus on preventing future health issues in the local area (e.g. by providing services such as cancer screening, or providing advice and support to promote healthier lifestyles such as quitting smoking, tackling obesity, etc.)
What is the meaning of Healthwatch?
An independent service created by the act to get feedback from individuals about whether their needs are being met and on the quality of the local health services. They make reports on how those services could be improved.
