As you may be aware, Jon Rouse has left the Department of Health. This blog is therefore no longer active.
Sometimes, progress or improvement can be hampered by the language we use. Terms, phrases – even individual words – can, in certain contexts, appear limiting and reductive. And when those words are applied to individuals or groups of people, even …
For legislation to work, we have to know it’s there. More importantly, we have to know how to apply it and be reminded of the consequences if we fail to do so. We also need to recognise the passage of …
Sometimes, even the most robust and positive pieces of legislation suffer the same problems as the issues they are designed to address – lack of awareness and understanding. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is a case in point. It has …
It won’t have escaped your attention that this week is Carers Week, the national celebration of the millions of people caring for relatives and friends in families and communities throughout the country. That they often do this without making use …
This is the year when the will to do more for the most vulnerable in society is matched by new legislation enshrining in law the principles we in the care and support sector have long felt important. The Care Act …
We want to improve services in health and care – but it’s not just about having the right people and processes, we need the tools and technology to help us do it. It’s a frequent and understandable plea and …
Social workers have one of the most difficult jobs in society. Working in often challenging circumstances, they bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to help improve the lives of vulnerable people, their families and carers. Despite this, however, …
It’s a tough question to answer: faced with a person you believe is in the midst of a mental health crisis, in a situation where harm may come to them and to others, what do you do? If you happen …
Where do we truly measure the success or failure of our health and care policies? Not in Westminster boardrooms - not with graphs, charts and number-crunchers - but in the real world, with the people and communities they are designed …
New Year Honours list 2015 – nominations close 31 March 2014 Off duty doctors attending road accident victims, Samaritans lending compassion and understanding to callers at 3 in the morning, Principal Social Workers mentoring dozens of young social workers, fundraisers …
