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

1.1. Explain the aims of health and social care provision

The primary aim of health and social care provision is to promote individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being within society. This involves providing access to medical treatment when required while promoting healthy living practices through education initiatives covering diet, exercise and substance abuse prevention (NHS England, 2016). Health and social care providers also offer support services for people with disabilities or chronic conditions like dementia.

Promoting community cohesion by ensuring equal healthcare opportunities across all members regardless of demographic factors is another goal in this sector. For example, the UK government has developed strategies including ‘Better Health’ aimed at reducing obesity rates among adults; ‘Closing the Gap’, which targets inequalities in mortality between different groups defined according to socioeconomic status (Office for National Statistics 2020).

These aims are geared towards creating a healthier population while supporting those who may require additional help during times of crisis.

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.