health and health care

The purpose of this guidance is to describe and clarify good practice in health facilitation and health action planning and support localities to make progress on this and on reducing health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities. It builds on previous DH guidance and reflects the learning that has taken place since 2002 along with key recommendations of relevant recent reports and research. Short examples of good practice are included throughout.

An introduction gives the history of how in most European countries for many decades large institutions dominated provision for people with severe and chronic disabilities, including those with mental health problems, and how this changed. Trends in the balance of care, changes in provision, and policies to develop community care and the allocation of resources are described, challenges listed and opportunities outlined, ending with a conclusion that research on progress in this area in Europe has been limited.

Dignity in Care is a campaign being run by the Department of Health's website in the UK. It "aims to eliminate tolerance of indignity in health and social care services through raising awareness and inspiring people to take action." The focus of the campaign has mainly been on older people but has now been extended to include people with mental health needs. The website provides further information on the different aspects of the campaign, including relevant publications.

The background and aims of the map topic are discussed followed by an explanation of the methodology behind the systematic mapping. The report then focuses on the flow of literature found in the map and the main results. Finally, there is a discussion of the findings and wider implications of the map for carrying out systematic reviews and various types of other work.'

In general, the pain relief needs of older people with dementia are not adequately met. The aim of this research was to determine whether the same unsatisfactory treatment also applies to people with learning difficulties who have dementia and, if so, to make recommendations for improving practice. The research team was based at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, University of Edinburgh, and the Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling.

The Capability Framework defines a common set of capabilities for nurses built around five key areas: Practising Ethically, Knowledge for Practice, Leadership for Practice, Multi-Professional Approach, Care Delivery & Intervention, it will help the development of educational programmes to ensure that LACNs are fully competent and capable to meet the challenges they face. It has been developed by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish Government Health Directorate.

This Action Plan sets out the Scottish Government's programme to deliver a healthier Scotland by helping people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care. The report is informed by the response to the consultation on Better health, better care: a discussion document (August 2007).

More than 40% of care homes in Scotland need to improve the support they offer people with life-limiting illnesses and those who require palliative and end of life care, according to a new report from Scotland’s care watchdog.

This report reflects the findings of 1036 inspections and three investigations carried out by the Care Commission at care homes for older people between April 2007 and March 2008.

Draft strategy document that sets out the proposals for a Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland. These proposals are based on knowledge about what works well in Scotland, and builds on the range of excellent progress and work underway already at local, regional and national levels. The strategy has been developed through wide ranging discussions with the people working in NHS Scotland, and with patients and carers.

This report is a joint production between Aberdeenshire Council and NHS Grampian in association with other statutory and voluntary sector partners. This is the Community Plan for children and young people in Aberdeenshire. It encompasses the universal provision of services across Health and Education as well as the targeted services of Social Work and joint services provided to children with the most complex needs.