Policies Flashcards
List some different policies that you must follow when working in health and social care?
Health and safety policyEquality & diversity policymedication policysafeguarding policycomplaints policywhistleblowing policy
What is a health and safety policy? What is its purpose?
To keep staff and patients safe.Sets out guidelines staff have to follow to keep safe in theirjob e.g. inform their employer of any danger to health andsafety posed by a work activity
What is the purpose of an equality and diversity policy
Make sure staff and patients are treated with dignity andrespect and will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, pregnancy and maternity, race,religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
What is the purpose of a medication policy
Ensure that correct medication is given /checked.
What is the purpose of a safeguarding policy
Sets out the roles and responsibilities of all staff andmembers with respect to keeping children, young peopleand adults‟ safe and promoting their welfare.
What is the purpose of a complaints policy?
Safe way for service users to raise concerns about poorpractice or care given. They must be told the outcome oftheir complaint.
What is the purpose of a whistleblowing policy?
To raise concerns or issues regarding poor practice. (usually relating to other people within the setting you are working, or who work with you in supporting roles)
How can you promote anti-discriminatory practice? What are your responsibilities?
Follow the EQUALITY ACT 2010 to promote people’s rightsAdhere to codes of practice / professional guidelines (this ensures good practice)Implement policies (to ensure best practice, best ways of working and to ensure quality of care)Use communication strategies to enable service users to express their choicesChallenge direct / indirect discrimination - so that service users feel valued and included (speak up for people who might not be able to do it themselves)
What are some examples of anti-discriminatory practice in health and social care (practical things that can be done)
Print leaflets in multiple languagesAccess to buildings (wheelchairs)Challenging direct / indirect discriminationImplement policies e.g. anti-bullying in schoolsUsing alternative communication strategies e.g. hearing impairment adjustmentsLonger appointments for people with learning disabilitiesFollowing the EQUALITY ACT 2010Accessible signage
How can you empower individuals? Give some examples
Promote dignity and independenceIndividualised carePromoting rights, choices and wellbeingProviding active support - respecting people’s beliefs, cultures and preferences when working with themDealing with conflictBalancing individual rights of other service users and staffSupporting individuals to express their needs and preferences
How can people working in health and social care ensure safety for individuals and staff? Give some examples
Provision of first aid facilitiesRisk assessmentsSAfeguarding and protecting from abuseIllness prevention measurementsControl of substances harmful to healthUse of protective equipment and infection control (washing hands!)Report / record accidents and incidentsComplaints proceduresAttend professional development courses (like health and safety training)
How can you manage information / communication when working in health and social care?
treat information about patients with confidentialitycommunicate with relevant individualspass on medical information, e.g. from GPs to hospital consultants wherefurther treatment is neededobtain permission when information about is sharedshare information in a way people understand according to their needs(alternative forms)respect the legal responsibilities of disclosing information/data protectionfollow policies and proceduresimplement protection measures, e.g. for those who are the focus of theinformation and the professionals who manage the cases.
