Representing service user interests Flashcards
What is meant by representing service users interests?
There are different ways in which a service users interests can be represented, through charities and patient groups.
How can a charity represent service users interests?
A charity is an organisation set up to represent people with specific needs and provide help and support. often voluntarily. Health and social care charities include:
NSPCC: they work to prevent and end child abuse in the UK and offers advice on safeguarding and preventing neglect.
Mental Health Foundation: works to improve the lives of those with mental illness. it carries out research, promotes service development and seeks to achieve good mental health for all.
Stonewall: works to promote awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans LGBT issues to reduce prejudice and discrimination, and provides advise about sexual orientation.
Shelter: works to reduce homelessness, provides advice about tenancy and renting properties, promotes the need for safe, secure and affordable homes.
What do charities do?
Charities serve different groups of service users by, changing public attitudes, working in partnership with other organisations, including health and social care providers. They raise money, provide advise and services as well as carry out research, representing their interests to the government, they also try to prevent discrimination and challenge prejudice.
What can patient groups do to represent service users interests?
All NHS organisations have a legal duty to involve the public in decisions about running local health services. Some CCGs have patient groups. Patients should be listened to and actions taken to meet their concerns. Some other ways that the interests of service users are represented are, by governors of NHS trusts, by MPs, by advocates, Through comments and feedback on proposed changes to legislation or government policy.
What do patient groups do?
Represent the interests of people with particular health needs. provide feedback on NHS services. provide volunteers. Take part in research carried out by the NHS.
