Topic 1.3 - Rights

What are rights

What everyone is entitled to

What law sets and supports rights

The Equality Act (2010)

What are the 5 service user rights

Choice, confidentiality, consultation, protection from harm and abuse, and equal and fair treatment

What is choice

It is the right of service users to make decisions about the care and support they receive

Choices a service user would have in a health care setting

• When to go to bed

• What clothes to wear

• When to get up

• Type of medication

• Whether or not to receive treatment

• Food options that take into consideration special diets, lifestyle choices, religious or cultural requirements

• Choice of a female or male carer or practitioner

Choices a service user would have in a social care setting

• When to go to bed

• What clothes to wear

• When to get up

• What to have for breakfast, lunch or dinner

• Whether they want a shower or bath

• Food options that take into consideration special diets, lifestyle choices, religious or cultural requirements

• Choice of a female or male carer

• Giving the service users access to a television room or a quiet room

• What activities to take in part 

What is confidentiality

It means keeping personal information safe and secure, ensuring that only those directly involved in a service user’s care access or share their personal information

Why is confidentiality important

To protect service users from potential risk

How can confidentiality be maintained

• Having personal notes stored securely and not spoken about to others

• Written medical records should be a kept in a locked cabinet

• Written medical records should be a kept in a filing cabinet in a locked room

• Electronic medical records should be protected with a secure password and the login details should be given to only the service providers directly involved in the care

• Meetings about service users should take place in a private room where information cannot be overheard by others

• Information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis

• The service provider can only discuss a service user’s personal information with family or friends, if the service user gave permission  

What law gives people right to confidentiality

The Data Protection Act 1998

When can a service user break confidentiality

When there is a safeguarding issue

What is a safeguarding issue

Anything that can have an impact on an individual’s safety and welfare, cause them harm or put them at the risk of harm

Examples of safeguarding issues

Murder, rape, abuse, neglect, etc.

What is safeguarding

Protecting an individual’s health, well being and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect

What is a Need-to-Know basis

Sharing essential information with only those directly involved in the care and support of that individual

What is consultation

Asking individuals for their opinions & views about what type of care they would like and taking into account of wherever possible

How can consultation be carried out

• Asking for preferences and options

• Clarifying likes and dislikes

• Ensuring shared decision making

• Discussing wants and needs

Why is Consultation in important

By being in control of what happens to them, they will feel even more valued, respected and be happier as an individual

What is protection from harm and abuse

It is the process of protecting individuals, especially vulnerable people, from any kind of harm and abuse

How can protection from harm and abuse be carried out

• Carrying out DBS checks

• Following reporting procedures for abusive behaviour

• Appointing a designated child protection officer

• Regular fire drills should be held 

• Carrying out risk assessments of equipment and activities

Why is protection from harm and abuse important

• DBS checks looks for any criminal history such as violence or sexual assault

• Reporting to the right person for an abusive behaviour so that it can be stopped

• If concerned for a child’s safety, report to a designated officer to deal with the issue

• Holding regular fire drills to ensure everyone is clear on where to go in an emergency

• Carrying out risk assessments so that risks identified can be minimised or removed

What is Equal and Fair treatment

Ensuring individuals are treated according to their needs and given the same opportunities to access services without facing discrimination based on their characteristics

What is the difference between equal and fair treatment

Equal treatment means providing the same services and opportunities to everyone regardless of background while Fair treatment involves tailoring care to meet each person’s needs, ensuring that everyone gets the support they specifically require

Why is it important to ensure equal and fair treatment for all service users (SU)

• It helps to respect each person’s dignity

• Ensures that everyone receives care suited to their individual needs 

• Improving their overall well being 

How can service providers ensure they are treating everyone according to their individual needs

By understanding everyone’s specific requirements, creating personalised care plans, actively listening and addressing feedback from service users

Why is it important to maintain rights

• Trust

• Empower service users

• Needs

• Self-esteem

• Equality of access to services

• Safe in the care setting