Welfare Reform on the Web (August 2006): Social care - UK

Buddies or barricades

J. Glasby

Health Service Journal, vol.116, July 13th 2006, p.18-19

Partnership working between health and social care is not as fashionable as it was in the recent past, due to a further round of NHS restructuring and the need to achieve financial balance, but is still inextricably linked with health service priorities. This article summarises key messages on effective partnership working emerging from a recent international seminar run by Birmingham University’s Health Services Management Centre.

Integrating spirituality in health and social care: perspectives and practical approaches

W. Greenstreet (editor)

Oxford: Radcliffe, 2006

This book considers the role of spirituality as a core component of health and social care. It takes into account not only religious, cultural and philosophical views, but also the value and use of music, art and other creative therapies. In a multicultural population, care that acknowledges and is sensitive to the diversity of religious practice and cultural identity promotes spiritual wellbeing. Practical issues such as diet, physical examination and specific cultural and religious requirements in terminal care are also considered.

Inter-agency information sharing in health and social care services: the role of professional culture

S. Richardson and S. Asthana

British Journal of Social Work, vol.36, 2006, p.657-669

This article uses a literature review to examine the ways in which professional culture might shape inter-organisational exchange of personal information in a health and social care context. The aim is to explore a simplified model of various information-sharing behaviours (ideal, over-open, over-cautious and chaotic) and to suggest that patterns of information-sharing may be influenced by a number of factors, including professional ethics and inter-professional relations.

Paired for success

A.U. Sale

Community Care, July 20th-26th 2006, p.30-31

The government is committed to breaking down barriers between health and social care to offer a seamless service to clients. This paper presents interviews with three sets of practitioners who have overcome barriers to achieve successful multi-disciplinary team work.

Send for the paras

D. Hayes

Community Care, July 6th-12th 2006, p.30-31

In order to solve a recruitment crisis, para-professionals holding many of the powers of a qualified social worker were introduced in Glasgow in 2004. Staff are using the new grade as a stepping-stone to acquiring full professional qualifications and vacancies have dried up.

“Sorry, we can’t tell you that”

M. Hunter

Community Care, July 6th-12th 2006, p.28-29

Data protection and privacy legislation is creating a barrier to the sharing of vital information between health and social care agencies. Many front-line professionals do not fully understand the laws governing information sharing, and can act overcautiously in refusing to divulge personal data.

Taking responsibility

E. O’Hara

Professional Social Work, April 2006, p.14-15

Article looks at the role and responsibilities of independent social workers who are involved in identifying and assessing potential placements with extended family or close friends for looked after children.

“This course has opened my eyes”

A.U. Sale

Community Care, June 22nd-28th 2006, p.28-29

A lecturer and undergraduates give their views on the new social work degree as the first students complete the course.