Jill Manthorpe and Helen Alaszewski
This article reports on the findings of a small research study exploring provision at local level for people with dementia. The study involved a survey of practitioners and…
Abstract
This article reports on the findings of a small research study exploring provision at local level for people with dementia. The study involved a survey of practitioners and managers, and the difficulties of this approach are illustrated and explored. Responses contained a range of relevant opinions about service delivery, particularly perceived levels of quality and adequacy. Those providing care pointed to the unfulfilled potential of services for people with dementia, and their views provide a perspective on the workings of local services and their inter‐relationships. The views of staff may be helpful to the development of planning and quality mechanisms. While they cannot substitute for those of users and carers, they are views emanating from experience and concern.
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Max Neill, Julie Allen, Neil Woodhead, Helen Sanderson, Stephen Reid and Lori Erwin
This article discusses the question of risk in the lives of people who are supported by human services. It responds to the way in which risk, as it has traditionally been…
Abstract
This article discusses the question of risk in the lives of people who are supported by human services. It responds to the way in which risk, as it has traditionally been approached by these services, imposes a barrier to social inclusion and to an interesting and productive life. The article proposes an alternative person‐centred risk process. We argue that, by beginning with a focus on who the person is, their gifts and skills, and offering a positive vision of success, it could be possible to avoid the implied aversion to any form of risk embedded in the traditional approaches and attitudes.
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Bob Gates, Colin Griffiths, Paul Keenan, Sandra Fleming, Carmel Doyle, Helen L. Atherton, Su McAnelly, Michelle Cleary and Paul Sutton
There is a strong tradition of integration in rural community hospitals which has been largely unrecognised in the past. The national strategy for health in England now gives…
Abstract
There is a strong tradition of integration in rural community hospitals which has been largely unrecognised in the past. The national strategy for health in England now gives community hospitals a central role in providing integrated health and social care, in a policy referred to as ‘care closer to home’. The evidence emerging from international and national studies is demonstrating the benefit of the community hospital model of care. Public support for community hospitals over their 100‐year history has been strong, with value being placed on accessibility, quality and continuity. There is, however, a tension between the national policy and the current financial pressures to close or reduce services in one in three community hospitals in England. Innovative ways of owning and managing these services are being put forward by communities who are actively seeking to maintain and develop their local hospitals. The challenge is to demonstrate that community hospital services are valued models of person‐centred integrated care, and to demonstrate their contribution to the health and well‐being of their communities.
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Samantha Hall and Helen Duperouzel
The Department of Health advocates the involvement of service users in the risk assessment and management process. Studies suggest that this is not routine practice and is…
Abstract
Purpose
The Department of Health advocates the involvement of service users in the risk assessment and management process. Studies suggest that this is not routine practice and is dependent on individual professionals. The “Keeping me Safe and Well” screen was developed by Mersey Care NHS as part of a human rights healthcare project and this paper aims to analyse it.
Design/methodology/approach
The screen was piloted to adopt a more participative holistic approach to risk whilst working in partnership with service users. This took place in a 16‐bed, medium secure unit for people with a diagnosis of intellectual disabilities and personality disorder; five service users took part in the pilot. Personal records were audited to assess the level of involvement in the risk assessment process and individual and focus group interviews provided narrative on the use and usefulness of the tool.
Findings
All participating service users experienced an increased awareness and knowledge of the risk assessment process and human rights issues. The screen helped them focus on their own risk issues and the rights of others. Their views of personal risk matched those of the professionals, effectively validating existing assessment methods, promoting trust between service users and professionals, giving service users an opportunity to work collaboratively with professionals on individual risk management.
Originality/value
The screen added value to the risk assessment process by engaging service users in the risk process and supporting the adoption of a more participative, holistic approach to risk by maximising autonomy and empowerment and working in partnership with the service user.
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Bob Gates, Colin Griffiths, Paul Keenan, Sandra Fleming, Carmel Doyle, Helen L. Atherton, Su McAnelly, Michelle Cleary and Paul Sutton
Bob Gates, Colin Griffiths, Paul Keenan, Sandra Fleming, Carmel Doyle, Helen L. Atherton, Su McAnelly, Michelle Cleary and Paul Sutton