Category Archives: health

Are expectations for integrating health and social care unrealistic?

March 11, 2014   Carers, health, Social care
Better joint working between sectors is being seen as part of a shift to a preventive model of care, but there should be pragmatism about what can be achieved
An elderly Sikh lady is helped
Better linkage of preventative services will lead to people being identified and supported earlier.

Robin Miller

Despite successive governments recognising the potential benefits of supporting older people to stay well, avoid injury and get back on their feet after a hospital admission, it has proved difficult to achieve change in practice.

That does not mean that there has been no progress. There are re-ablement and falls prevention services available in most local areas, and numerous examples of innovative projects being delivered through the third sector. However, the much called-for shift to a more preventive model is yet to become a reality.

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Is your GP surgery equipped for the digital future?

March 3, 2014   Carers, dementia, health, internet

Doctors’ practices are becoming increasingly hi-tech in an effort to make a streamlined NHS more convenient for the public

55 per cent of practices already offer repeat prescriptions online

By Frances Glover

7:36PM GMT 02 Mar 2014

Appointments that you can make online, while still in your pyjamas. Repeat prescriptions that can be ordered in the same way. Secure access to your own medical records from your laptop. The option for a consultation over the internet via Skype. And, when you do need to pop into the doctor’s surgery in person, proper Wi-fi, so that you can download the latest podcasts about healthy living, browse consultant appointments on NHS Choices, and book them, too, before you go home.

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Older women ‘let down’ by unsympathetic work culture

February 27, 2014   Carers, health, Social care
By: Information Daily Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, February 27, 2014 – 09:51 GMT      

 

Many women aged over 50 who are facing elderly care responsibilities will end their working lives in low-paid positions due to a “rigid workplace culture”, the TUC says.

Many middle-aged women are “trapped” in low-paid, part-time positions as they struggle to manage work, elderly care and child care responsibilities, a national trade union centre report has warned.

As average UK life expectancy continues its rise, immense pressure is being placed on the public sector, particularly in health and adult social care environments.

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