Potential Hazards in Health and Social Care Essay Example

The main goal of PHA is to enhance health, prevent health hazards, and decrease healthcare inequalities. At the same time, PCC acts as an impartial advocate for patients, clients, carers, and communities regarding matters related to health and social care.

Settings in HSC encompass the different places where individuals receive care services, whether it be their own home or their community. There are a total of 7 types of settings: residential homes, nursing homes, hospitals (offering various services), clinic surgeries, day care for the elderly, primary schools and creches, and public environments like retail areas, swimming pools, public parks, sports grounds, beaches, and transport.

Nursing and Residential care homes cater to individuals who cannot safely live in their own homes even with support from family and social services. These care homes provide accommodation as well as meals. They also offer personal care services including washing, dressing, toileting, and mobility support. In nursing homes specifically registered general nurses are always present to supervise and ensure proper execution of nursing tasks alongside the aforementioned services.

Nursing home residents generally have greater dependence than those in residential care homes. Continuing care is intended for individuals with complex and unpredictable health needs who need constant supervision. Hospitals, on the other hand, are healthcare facilities that provide specialized staff and equipment for treating patients while also providing accommodations, personal care, and healthcare services. It should be noted that hospitals may offer inpatient care, but the specific range of services can differ.

The Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast (RVH) offers treatment to 80,000 inpatients and 350,000 outpatients annually. It serves the residents of Belfast and provides specialized

services to individuals throughout Northern Ireland. These services include Cardiac Surgery, Critical Care, and the Regional Trauma Centre. In addition, they have an exclusive Adult Day Care program for individuals aged 18 and above who require physical or mental disability assistance or social interaction. The goal is to provide an enjoyable day with a range of activity choices.

Users should have the opportunity to socialize, engage in games and activities, enjoy entertainment, and discover new experiences. Additionally, users should provide respite for their carers. Primary schools are institutions for young children, typically aged 4 or 5. The education sector in Northern Ireland is divided into three main areas: school education, further education, and higher education. Usually, children begin primary school at the age of 4 or 5 and finish at the age of 11 to transition to secondary school. Some schools may offer a reception year specifically for 4-year-olds.

Children benefit from interacting and engaging with their peers in a secure and organized setting that promotes their growth and readies them for school. All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to receive nursery education until they reach the mandatory school age. There are various early years establishments where children can access early education, including nursery schools, classes, children's centres, day nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools, and childminders. Moreover, general practitioners' offices house health clinics or surgeries that provide diverse services such as well woman clinics overseen by female doctors or practice nurses.The well woman clinic provides guidance on gynaecological issues, family planning, cervical smears, breast disease, and menopause. They also offer general healthcare checks for urine, weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Similarly, the well man clinic

specializes in men's health care and offers general check-ups for men aged 40-60 years old known as a MOT.

The public environment includes places like local parks, retail outlets, leisure centers, cinemas, visitor attractions such as Belfast Zoo or Titanic Belfast, and beach areas/promenades where care workers may take clients and patients for outings.

Health and social care service users include older people, those with learning disabilities or physical disabilities/sensory impairments, young people including children and babies as well as individuals with mental health problems. These service users prioritize services that can improve their overall health and increase their lifespan.

People aged 18 to 65 with physical disabilities or sensory impairments, as well as those who have permanent and substantial disabilities, chronic illness, or require personal and home care after leaving the hospital, are interested in understanding the purpose and results of health services for their own wellbeing. They also want to know how these services impact their overall lives and health.
On the other hand, individuals dealing with mental health issues struggle with various aspects of their daily lives, relationships, and physical wellbeing due to their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In the United Kingdom alone, one in four people has a mental health problem – a situation that can have serious consequences if they do not receive proper support and treatment for themselves as well as those around them.
Importantly, more than 250,000 individuals are admitted to psychiatric hospitals each year while over 4,000 people die by suicide. Additionally, vulnerable patients such as infants children and older adults face a greater risk of abuse compared to others.

The term "vulnerable individuals" refers to older people who

are unwell, frail, confused, and unable to advocate for themselves or handle their own affairs. This group may require community care services due to disability, old age, or illness and may be incapable of safeguarding themselves from harm or exploitation. It should be noted that infants are also encompassed in this definition as they need specific protections and care according to the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. These protections include legal safeguards both before and after birth, taking into account their physical and mental immaturity.

The main objective of the NHS constitution is to improve health and well-being by offering assistance for maintaining mental and physical wellness, recuperating from illnesses, and striving for a decent quality of life even in situations where full recovery is not achievable. Moreover, it keeps pace with scientific advancements by utilizing the highest levels of human knowledge and expertise to save lives and enhance health. The NHS also has a vital role in meeting our fundamental human needs through providing care and compassion during crucial times. Who are the individuals involved in the NHS?

Healthcare professionals, including care staff, support staff (e.g., caterers, cleaners), and administrative workers, provide care to individuals who receive care such as patients, clients, and service users. Visitors like family members, friends, and volunteers also have a role in the caregiving process. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is responsible for providing healthcare facilities and treatment to residents of the country. The NHS operates based on a set of shared principles and values. In total, the HSC sector employs over 177,000 staff members.

Ireland offers services in various locations and in

people's homes. There are many staff members who support the operation of care delivery, including maintenance of buildings and equipment, catering, transportation, cleaning, and other activities. The industry must prioritize the health and safety of employees as well as the public and service users who may be affected by work activities and associated risks. The NHS employs approximately 1. million people across 400 organizations, which increases to 2.6 million workers if the entire social care sector is considered. Sickness absence in the NHS costs an estimated ?1 billion per year, impacting the effective provision of HSC services. Employee absences are primarily caused by Musculoskeletal Disorders, Workplace Stress, Workplace Violence, Slips and Trips, Hospital-acquired infections, Needle-Stick Injuries, Latex Allergy, and Diathermy emissions.

Musculoskeletal Disorder refers to what?

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is the term used to describe injuries, damage, or disorders in the joints or tissues of the upper/lower limbs or back. MSD and stress are responsible for about 40% of sickness absences within the NHS. Back injuries, which are often caused by moving and handling patients, account for approximately 25% of nurses taking time off work. However, there are other factors that also contribute to these absences. The health services record over 5,000 manual handling injuries each year.

Handling patients, particularly among ultrasound staff and theatre workers, can lead to stress and strain due to uncomfortable postures. Risks include repetitive lifting, bending, twisting, frequent repetition of actions, uncomfortable positions, excessive force, no breaks during extended periods of work, and adverse environments. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can affect employees in any workplace. Stress from workplace pressure is a common health issue for healthcare employees and can

negatively impact commitment, performance, productivity, accidents caused by human error, staff turnover/intention to leave, customer satisfaction,and the organization's image/reputation. It also poses legal risks. Factors influencing the risk of work-related violence/aggression include impatience/frustration due to lack of information/boredom/anxiety/resentment/substance abuse/mental instability.

Ensuring a safe and secure workplace environment is crucial for NHS staff and other healthcare workers. According to recent reports, these individuals face a significantly higher risk of work-related violence and aggression, up to four times more than employees in other sectors.

According to the 2003 National Audit Office report, healthcare workers who have direct contact with the public, such as nurses and NHS staff, including ambulance and accident and emergency personnel, as well as those in acute mental health units, are more likely to experience violence and aggression compared to their counterparts in general hospital wards. Furthermore, slips and trips accounted for 53% (841 out of 1561) of major injuries among healthcare employees between 2006/07. The concern regarding the risk posed by slips and trips is significant.

It is crucial to have a suitable floor in the workplace that matches the specific type of work activity. Maintaining the floor's good condition is also important. The cleaning process can potentially create hazards, increasing the risk of slips and trips. Both individual behavior and environmental factors within the workplace can contribute to an increased likelihood of slip and trip accidents. Additionally, there is concern about hospital acquired infections. In July 2006, the Healthcare Commission (HC) released a report about two incidents of Clostridium Difficile infection outbreaks at Stoke Mandeville Hospital under Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The HC has released a report stating that 334 patients have

contracted C Difficile infections while in the hospital, resulting in the death of 33 patients. Additionally, the HC has identified significant errors in how the hospital handled these outbreaks. As a result, they have given several recommendations to improve infection control and patient care within the hospital. It is crucial for staff members to exercise caution when performing tasks such as preparing food, serving patients or service users, feeding them, and managing waste. Healthcare waste pertains to waste related to natal care, diagnosing illnesses, treating diseases, and preventing illness in humans or animals.

This section emphasizes the importance of addressing infectious waste in healthcare and highlights the role of legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures in promoting health, safety, and security within the Health and Social Care sector. Key legislation and guidelines that play a significant role include the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995, and Data Protection Act 1998.

The text explains the steps taken to guarantee the well-being and protection of staff and individuals in care settings. These steps can be divided into three main categories: Legislation and Guidelines, Policies and Procedures, and the provision of HSC services. Two specific regulations referred to are the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. The significance of conducting risk assessments is also emphasized, as well as the obligations that employers and employees have in upholding a secure work environment.

The delivery of HSC is governed by legislation

and laws that set out regulations which must be adhered to. There are also codes of practice, known as guidelines, which further clarify and support these regulations. The main objectives of the guidelines are to interpret the legislation, aid individuals in understanding what is required by law, and assist with compliance. They also offer technical advice. While all organizations must comply with the legislation, employers have the choice to follow the guidelines or opt for alternative measures.

Approved codes of practices serve as practical examples and guidance on effective working methods and adherence to the law. They define what is deemed "reasonably practicable" and have a unique legal status. If employers are accused of violating health and safety regulations, not following the provisions in an approved code of practice may lead to accountability in court unless they can demonstrate compliance through alternative means. These guidelines fall under the governance of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974/ Health and Safety at Work Act (N. Ireland) Order 1978.

The main legislation for workplace safety is this Act, which applies to all workplaces including Health and Care Settings. It specifies the general responsibilities of employers towards employees and the public. It also outlines the obligations of employees towards themselves and their colleagues, creating various legal regulations. The key requirements of this law are as follows: Employers and employees are jointly responsible for ensuring the health and safety of anyone on the premises.

Every workplace with a staff of five or more must have a written health and safety policy, which includes the name of the person in charge of implementing the policy,

a clear statement of commitment to providing a safe workplace, the individuals responsible for specific health and safety risks, a list of identified hazards and procedures to follow for each, guidelines for documenting workplace accidents, and information on evacuating the premises. These requirements specifically apply to health and social care environments.

The Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995, along with other regulations like the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDR) 1995, the Data Protection Act 1998, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 are applicable to food premises and individuals involved in food production, processing, storage, distribution or sale. These laws aim to ensure accurate labeling of food products free from foreign substances and false descriptions while also ensuring their safety for consumption. Environmental officers have authority for inspections and seizing unfit foods. They can issue Improvement Notices when businesses fail to comply with these regulations and possess power to close down premises that pose immediate health risks.

The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 are focused on food hygiene. There are 10 steps outlined in these regulations. The first step emphasizes the importance of maintaining food premises that are easy to clean, free from rubbish, well lit, adequately ventilated, and protected against infestations. The second step requires all equipment to be kept clean and in good repair, with a prohibition on using wood-based equipment such as chopping boards. The third step emphasizes the practice of good personal hygiene, including covering cuts and boils

with blue water proofing dressings.

Maintaining good hygiene involves washing your hands after using the toilet, before handling food, and when transitioning between raw and cooked food. Food handlers should wear clean clothes and cover their hair properly. Additionally, areas where food is prepared must have sufficient hot water, liquid soap, disposable paper towels or a hot air dryer. To prevent cross-contamination, food handlers need to avoid touching food in a way that allows it to come into contact with both raw and cooked items. It is important to provide a separate sink exclusively for handwashing. Furthermore, keeping raw and cooked foods separated is crucial for preventing cross-contamination.

To prevent bacteria growth, it is important to maintain proper temperatures for food storage. Refrigerators should be set at 5°C or lower, while freezers should be set at -18°C or lower. Any illnesses must be reported to a supervisor and smoking is not allowed in areas where food is stored. Those who break these rules may face significant fines and, in severe cases, the premises may be closed immediately by an inspection officer.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations of 1992 specifically address the high number of injuries that occur from lifting and handling people in healthcare settings. One in four workers takes time off work due to back injuries sustained from lifting activities. The purpose of this legislation is to minimize risk by requiring employers to avoid manual lifting whenever possible, assess risks associated with lifting when necessary, provide appropriate equipment and ensure its correct use, have competent individuals plan and supervise lifting operations, and enforce employee compliance with procedures. These regulations also apply

to lifting objects as well as people.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDR) of 1995 require the reporting of specific workplace accidents and diseases in the UK. The incident contact centre collects this information, which is used to analyze accidents and injuries and determine their causes. Employers have a duty to report deaths, major injuries, accidents resulting in more than three days off work, diseases, and dangerous occurrences. Employees should also inform their employers about these incidents as appropriate procedures must be followed.

Reportable major injuries include fractures (excluding fingers, thumbs or toes), amputations, dislocations of shoulders, hips, knees or spines; temporary or permanent loss of sight or burns to the eye caused by chemicals or hot metal; penetrating eye injuries; injuries from electric shocks or electrical burns leading to unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation or hospital stay over 24 hours; any other injury causing hypothermia, heat-induced illness, unconsciousness; or necessitating resuscitation or hospital admission exceeding 24 hours.

Asphyxia is defined as unconsciousness resulting from oxygen deprivation or exposure to harmful substances or biological agents. It can also refer to a sudden illness that necessitates medical intervention or loss of consciousness caused by inhaling, ingesting, or contacting any substance. If there is suspicion that the acute illness occurred due to exposure to a biological agent, its toxins, or infected material, it must be reported. Reportable diseases encompass instances of poisoning and specific skin conditions such as occupational dermatitis, skin cancer, and oil folliculitis/acne.

The text discusses several lung diseases, including occupational asthma, farmer’s lung, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. It also mentions infections such as leptospirosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, anthrax, legionellosis, and tetanus. Additionally, it brings

up other conditions like occupational cancer and certain MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders), decompression illnesses, and hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Reportable dangerous occurrences refer to incidents that do not involve a reportable injury but have the potential to cause one. The Data Protection Act of 1998 aims to safeguard the rights of individuals whose data is collected, stored, processed or supplied.

The Act, also known as the Data Protection Act, applies to computerised and paper records. It states that data collected should only be used for its intended purposes, must be accurate and relevant, and should be securely stored for an appropriate period of time. Additionally, data can only be shared with others if the data owner gives consent.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1998, also known as Management Regulations, provide further guidance on how employers should manage health and safety under the Health and Safety at work Act. These regulations apply to all work activities and require employers to conduct risk assessments.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 cover substances that may pose a risk to health. This includes toxic, corrosive or irritant substances. Any substance with a warning label on its container falls within the scope of these regulations, such as cleaning materials, disinfectants, and bleaches.

Employers have a duty to protect their employees from hazardous substances by taking specific measures:
1) Assessing potential dangers - identifying harmful substances in the workplace and understanding associated health risks;
2) Determining necessary precautions.
3) Take steps to avoid or effectively handle exposure.
4) Ensure control measures are consistently used and maintained.
5) If necessary, monitor the levels of employee exposure.6) Carry out suitable health monitoring for employees who have

been exposed.
7) Establish effective strategies and guidelines to manage accidents, incidents, and emergencies.
8) Guarantee that employees receive sufficient information, training, and supervision.

The COSHH file must include details of all hazardous substances on the premises, such as their storage location, labeling, effects, safe exposure time, and emergency procedures. Now, let's examine three policies that emphasize the significance of adhering to guidelines: 1) Safeguarding Children Policy 2) Infection Prevention ; Control 3) Waste Management Policy.

The Safeguarding Children Policy, provided by NHS Gloucestershire Trust, is the primary policy being examined. According to the Children Act 2004, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) must protect and promote the welfare of children in their responsibilities. To fulfill this duty, Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust (GPCT) has agreed upon principles outlined in "Working Together to safeguard children" by HM Government in 2006. These principles include providing appropriate interventions for affected children, integrating safeguarding into all stages of care offered by professionals working with children, and enabling health professionals to contribute to reviews and child protection plans. Ultimately, this policy demonstrates GPCT's commitment to safeguarding children and fulfilling its corporate accountability. The text also highlights the organization's compliance with legal obligations, adherence to guidelines, promotion of best practices, and effective collaboration with partner agencies.Furthermore, the organization guarantees it meets its statutory safeguarding obligations, adheres to provided guidance, and promotes the adoption of best practice guidelines. Additionally, it successfully collaborates with its partner agencies.

The Children Acts 1989 and 2004 provide statutory guidance to protect and enhance the well-being of children. The aim is to prevent harm, ensure their health and development are not compromised, and guarantee they receive adequate care. According to Section 17

of the Children Act 1989, "children in need" refers to vulnerable individuals who require suitable services for their health and development. Additionally, Section 47 grants authority to the local authority Children and Young Peoples Directorate to investigate and take necessary actions for a child's welfare if they are facing significant harm or at risk of it.

Abuse can take different forms, including physical abuse (like hitting, shaking, and burning), sexual abuse (which involves forcing or enticing a child into sexual activities), neglect (failing to meet a child's needs persistently), and emotional abuse (which can severely impact a child's emotional development). The definition of harm also includes the negative effects caused by witnessing or hearing about others' ill treatment, such as domestic abuse. The main goals for children and young people's wellbeing are to remain safe, be healthy, achieve success, contribute positively, ensure economic prosperity, establish roles and structures, fulfill organizational duties in safeguarding children lead director responsibilities and management responsibilities. Furthermore, designated professional responsibilities assigned to specific staff members and named professional responsibilities given to named staff members play a crucial role. Most importantly, every individual must personally prioritize and take responsibility for the welfare and protection of children.

To ensure accountability and inform others of their commitment, individual staff members (YOU) should prioritize their safeguarding and child protection responsibilities. This includes giving these tasks precedence over other work when necessary. It is important to gather relevant information in child protection cases promptly, in an organized and sensitive manner. It should be noted that these records may be disclosed and read by individuals outside of the PCT, including parents. Therefore, it is advisable

to maintain a chronology of interventions, ideally accessible on top of the case record for others to easily reference in the absence of the staff member. Any concerns regarding child abuse or neglect should be shared with a senior staff member in a timely manner.