Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care

Working in partnership Introduction

Objectives:• The main elements of working in

Partnership• The urgency for developing

collaborative partnerships across the health and social care sector.

Working in Partnership

In view of the present economic climate of health and social care in England and the mounting criticism directed NHS Hospital Trusts and Care Homes it is important to understand the main reasons as to this occurrence.

If effective working in partnership across the healthcare sector was in place there would be little reason to examine this area in such detail. However, the fact that so many health watchdogs namely the Care Quality Commission, Monitor, the Commissioners office are actively in operation shows that a major crisis in health and social care exists.

Working in PartnershipIn 2013 to major reports (Francis Report; Keogh Report) were published highlighting unprofessional and unacceptable work practises which not only jeopardised patients health, but in some cases were responsible for loss of life.

Working in Partnership is an essential area in health and social care to examine and by doing so solutions can be provided to address major problems because of lack of collaborative working. This is the main thrust of the course.

Working in Partnership

At the heart of health and care is duty of care towards patients and clients, and adherence to the law. To bring this about working in collaboration is imperative in order to deliver an efficient, effective and bona fide service which is beyond reproach.

In all organisations collaborative working is essential within and between departments, and other related organisations including agencies – particularly in the health and social care sector.

Working in Partnership• ‘Working in partnership is a key element of practice

within health and social care. The concepts of power sharing, consultation and joint ways of working are essential for effective service provision’

• Those working in the healthcare sector are duty-bound to recognise the significance of promoting autonomy with individuals. They are expected to be ‘attentive of their own roles and responsibilities and how they relate to others within the sector’. (This will be discussed in greater detail in the next lecture).

Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 & 5 Higher Nationals specification in Health and Social Carehttp://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/BTEC%20Higher%20Nationals

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What is partnership working?

Partnerships can be formed between a number of individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest. There is usually an important reason for partners to work together and a range of specific objectives. Furthermore, partnerships are often formed to address specific issues and may be short or long term.

What is partnership working?In order to achieve a co-ordinated service partners need to:

•Communicate•Co-ordinate•Co-operate

What is partnership working?

Areas to be examined:•What are the benefits of partnership working?•Benefits for service users •Benefits for service providers•Key principles and elements of a successful partnership•The choice of partners•Strategic partnerships

What is partnership working?

• Focus of operational partnerships• Barriers to effective partnership working• Why do we need to work in this partnership?• Community planning and partnership• Local strategic partnerships (LSPs)

Refer to detailed notes on the aforementioned slides available on stponline.

References

Sussex, Fr., Herne, D. and Scourfield, P. (2008). Advance health and social care for NVQ?SVQ level 4 and foundation degrees. Harlow, Essex: Heinemann.Watt, H. (2000). Life and Death in Health Care Ethics. London: Routledge