Working with Partnership

Working with Partnership

[Name of the Institute]

Working with Partnership

1.1 Introduction

Partnerships can be viewed as extremely positive and can be seen as significant enabling mechanisms in terms of delivering optimal services to users. However, in order for this to be the case, a mutual understanding of the importance and potential benefits of them should exist across the partnerships. One way of developing such an understanding lies in a consideration and appreciation of the philosophies involved. These will be the subject of this essay.

Empowerment

Empowerment is, according to Luttrell and Quiroz (2009), “a multidimensional social process that helps people gain control over their own lives.” This means that in terms of health and social care it should foster a notion of power within the individual as well as within communities - they are able to act on issues that are important to them. One example is working on the development of an ability to assess the health needs and wellbeing strategies that matter to communities (Oxford Health NHS 2012) and providing an ongoing voice for people within those communities to make their own individual and group healthcare decisions.For instance, one way would be in giving a voice to people over their choice of General practitioner. Another example of empowerment can be the giving them convenience in the way of giving treatment. Patients should be given alternatives in choosing the treatment of their disease.

Independence

Independence means that while some people, for example the elderly, may require social care, this does not always have to mean a loss of independence. It means the viewpoint that is taken is one of working towards optimal independence and understanding the needs of patients, which includes maximising their dignity.For instance, in working with the patient in drawing up a social care needs plan that addresses their choices and preferences, Such as providing patients with an environment that can fulfil their social needs as well. In sum, it means “a social care system that provides care for those who need it, and which enables people to retain their independence and dignity” (Department of Health 2013).

Autonomy

Autonomy means the right to make our own choices. For example, NHS Choices (2012) explain that under their constitution, everyone who is cared for by it has “formal rights to make choices about the service that they receive.” Included within these is the right to choose a particular GP surgery, which specific GP the patient wishes to see and which hospital to receive treatment from.For instance, a person should have the right to respond to recommendations from friends and to make their own judgments regarding which hospital they wish to be treated at.

Respect

Derbyshire County Council (2013) reminds us that dignity and respect are the foundations upon which health and social care services are based and therefore all stakeholders and partners at all levels should be constantly aware of this. Indeed, in terms of assessments of care, it is a “key outcome” for the Care Quality Commission. There are a number of ways in which the extent to which ...