Policies Flashcards
List some different policies that you must follow when working in health and social care?
Health and safety policy
Equality & diversity policy
medication policy
safeguarding policy
complaints policy
whistleblowing 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 their
job e.g. inform their employer of any danger to health and
safety posed by a work activity
What is the purpose of an equality and diversity policy
Make sure staff and patients are treated with dignity and
respect 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 and
members with respect to keeping children, young people
and adults‟ safe and promoting their welfare.
What is the purpose of a complaints policy?
Safe way for service users to raise concerns about poor
practice or care given. They must be told the outcome of
their 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 rights
Adhere 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 choices
Challenge 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 languages
Access to buildings (wheelchairs)
Challenging direct / indirect discrimination
Implement policies e.g. anti-bullying in schools
Using alternative communication strategies e.g. hearing impairment adjustments
Longer appointments for people with learning disabilities
Following the EQUALITY ACT 2010
Accessible signage
How can you empower individuals? Give some examples
Promote dignity and independence
Individualised care
Promoting rights, choices and wellbeing
Providing active support - respecting people’s beliefs, cultures and preferences when working with them
Dealing with conflict
Balancing individual rights of other service users and staff
Supporting 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 facilities
Risk assessments
SAfeguarding and protecting from abuse
Illness prevention measurements
Control of substances harmful to health
Use of protective equipment and infection control (washing hands!)
Report / record accidents and incidents
Complaints procedures
Attend 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 confidentiality
communicate with relevant individuals
pass on medical information, e.g. from GPs to hospital consultants where
further treatment is needed
obtain permission when information about is shared
share information in a way people understand according to their needs
(alternative forms)
respect the legal responsibilities of disclosing information/data protection
follow policies and procedures
implement protection measures, e.g. for those who are the focus of the
information and the professionals who manage the cases.
