1.1 Identify current government policies relating to health and social care in your chosen country
The British government sets national health and social care policies to improve service recipients’ lives. The government has identified five main areas of priority: these include enhancing physical and mental well-being, increasing life expectancy, reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other preventable conditions, addressing inequalities between different population groups in terms of access to healthcare, fostering a culture of prevention rather than cure within healthcare practice, and promoting integrated working across all sectors involved in health and social care delivery (Dept Health et al., 2016).
In the UK, government policies relating to health and social care include the NHS Long Term Plan, which sets out priorities for healthcare provision over a 10-year period. This policy focuses on providing better support for mental health services, improving access to primary care services through expanded GP hours and enhanced use of digital technologies such as remote consultations.
Another critical policy is devolution in healthcare funding, giving local authorities more control over budgets to direct resources towards their specific needs or concerns rather than relying solely on national strategies.
In addition, the Care Act 2014 aims to improve social care provision and support for those in need. The policy puts an emphasis on preventative measures, such as earlier interventions, to avoid more costly treatments or hospitalisations.
The government also sets priorities through funding decisions, with some areas being underfunded despite high demand. For example, mental health services have historically been underfunded compared to physical health services.
Other policies impacting healthcare provision include economic policies such as austerity measures affecting public
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Explain the impact of policy on the health and social care sector and on the provision of care within your chosen country.
- 2.1 Outline sources and status of legislation, regulation and guidance in your chosen country.
- 2.2 Analyse the impacts of legislation and guidance on the provision of health and social care provision and on health and social care workers.
- 3.1 Describe the underpinning principles of health and social care.
- 3.2 Outline how these principles impact on the provision of care.
- 3.3 Explain initiatives to promote the fundamental principles among those working in health and social care.