health and health care

This review by a team from the University of Warwick and University of the West of England, with support from the University of York, examines research evidence available to support improved care for older people in residential homes. The review explores seven themes: residents' and relatives' views on care; clinical areas for improvement; medication in care homes; medical input into care homes; nursing care in care homes; interface between care homes and other services; care improvement in care homes.

A Picture of Health is a sixty minute documentary on a day in the life of the National Health Service. On Wednesday November 13th 2002, nine NHS workers were followed for the day by nine film crews. The film starts in the morning and ends very late at night, cutting between different stories. The aim is to see what our NHS is really like – by seeing it through the eyes of those working for it. This resource is part of Open2.net which is the online learning portal from the Open University and the BBC.

The suite of downloadable prevention package resources from the Department of Health, was designed to support PCTs, SHAs and Local Authorities in prioritising and effectively commissioning services that support the health, well-being and independence of older people. Each resource may be read as a stand-alone document or as part of the series.

This paper provides background information on the individual elements of the nine pillars set out in Valuing Young People. The list of polices approaches outlined here is not exhaustive but is intended as a set of concise summaries to give partners, supporters and users of Valuing Young People an overview of polices and approaches that can support young people to achieve their potential.

Presents the findings from a research study which identifies and explores the changing support needs of people with sight loss from the clinical, visual function and quality of life perspectives. Data were derived from biographical narrative interviews and a visual function questionnaire with people with sight loss, and semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the delivery of specialist visual impairment services.

As young people leave care they face a variety of challenges. Some meet and overcome these challenges, yet others struggle. This review found a gap in the literature on resilience among young people leaving care. It therefore draws upon research studies completed in the last twenty years which have captured the experiences, views and reflections of the young people themselves.

This report begins by asking why there should be investment in promotion and prevention. It then summarises what is known and gives examples of study findings on wellbeing, early intervention,, depression, suicide and workplace health promotion. Ongoing and future evaluations are noted and the need for more European assessments emphasised.

This briefing presents the findings from a review of the impact of parental separation and divorce on children’s well-being and development. The review incorporated evidence concerning family breakdown and its consequences, and included research relating to both married and cohabiting parents. Findings are summarised in the areas of: family breakdown and its impact on children; contributory factors and optimising positive outcomes.

From April 2009, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be the new independent regulator of health and adult social care services across England. This policy sets out how the CQC intend to use their enforcement powers to protect the health, safety and welfare of people who use health and social care services, and to improve the quality of these services.

The National Offender Management Service is subject to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. This thematic report draws together information from prisoner surveys and inspection reports between 2006 and 2008, together with responses from 82 prison disability liaison officers (DLOs), to examine how well prisons are currently able to discharge these duties. Areas covered include: environment and relationships; safety; health services; activities; and resettlement. The report makes a number of recommendations.