1 – Unit 1 – Structure and Overview of the Health and Social Care Sector

1.1. Explain the aims of health and social care provision

Health and social care provision promotes individuals’ health and well-being, keeps them healthy, supports those needing medical or social care, and prevents illness and disease from occurring or spreading within society. Furthermore, it also provides rehabilitation services for patients recovering from an injury or disease.

According to “The Department of Health” (2012), “the government’s mandate has made clear that the purpose behind all our actions is improving outcomes for patients.” This means focusing on better patient experience, including improved safety measures such as avoiding infections acquired during hospital stays.

Additionally, providing end-of-life care by helping people manage their pain while they go through life-limiting conditions like cancer, where possible, with helpful coping methods, can reduce suffering, thus promoting dignity at death and giving emotional comfort to families left behind.

Other answers in the full document:

• 1.2. Describe the organisation of health and social care provision within your chosen country.
• 1.3. Describe the size of the health and social care sector within your chosen country.
• 1.4. Explain how health and social care provision is funded within your chosen country.
• 2.1. Outline the points at which health and social care provision may be required during a lifetime.
• 2.2. Describe the health and social care services required and provided at different points during a lifetime.
• 2.3. Explain arrangements for long-term care provision.
• 2.4. Explain how services are accessed at each provision point in your chosen country.
• 3.1. Analyse the different specialist areas within health and social care.
• 3.2. Describe a range of health and social care professions.
• 4.1. Assess equality of access to health and social care within your chosen country.
• 4.2. Explain current public health issues within your chosen country.
• 4.3. Describe current issues in the provision of health and social care within your chosen country.