Basic values in health and social care - Client's rights in interpersonal situations.

5 To be referred to a consultant, acceptable to the patient, when the GP thinks it necessary, and to be referred for a second opinion.

6 To be given a clear explanation of any treatment proposed, including any risks and any alternatives.

7 To choose whether or not to take part in medical research or medical student training.

8 To be given detailed information on local health services, including quality standards and maximum waiting time.

9 To have complaint about NHS services investigated and to receive a full and prompt reply from the chief executive of the health authority or general manager of the hospital.

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The role of health and social care workers

Now that we have an overview of the health and social care services, we need to know about the roles of the personnel who work within them. Here are some of the most important jobs.

Primary Health

* The general practitioners role involves preventative medicine and their diagnosis and care treatment of ill health. General practitioners refer patients to other agencies and workers for their specialists input. General practitioners are self-employed, though they are paid by the (NHS) National Health Service through the FHSA's

* Community nurses provide nursing services in clients'/patients' homes.

* District nurses are concerned with promoting health and well-being as well as providing nursing care.

* Community psychiatric nurses provide on-going treatment and support to clients with mental health problems

* Midwives focus on the care of women, before, during and after pregnancy and have a statutory responsibility for the care of the mother and baby up to ten days after the delivery.

* Health visitors' main function is to give advice on the care and development of under-fives, although their role with elderly clients is being developed. The health visitor carries out part of his/her duties in health centres, GP's surgeries and schools.

* Practice nurses, who are employed by GP's, carry out a range of duties including health screening for clients who attend the doctor's practice.

Secondary Health Care

* Hospital personnel provide services for in-patients, outpatients and day-patients. General, psychiatric and children's nurses specialise in the nursing of particular groups of clients.

* Hospital consultants are doctors who specialise in a particular branch of medicine. Paediatricians, for example, specialise in the health care of children. Some consultants, referred to as surgeons, carry out surgical operations. Others, called physicians, provide treatment mainly the use of medicines.

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Confidentiality

Confidentiality is necessary to ensure a dialogue of trust develops between client and carer. It gives respect to the individuals right to privacy.

Often, clients are required to divulge a great deal of personal information about them-selves and they have a right to expect this information to be kept confidential.

Disclosing information about clients

Sometimes it is desirable to disclose information to others, such as concerned relatives or another health professional. Referring back to The Patients Charter, this information is subject to the wishes of the client'.

Usually, this is easy to arrange. If a relative telephones for a progress report, the care worker can normally check with the client as to what they are going to say. However, a client who is conscious or recovering from an anaesthetic is unable to indicate consent. In these cases, staffs still need to pass on information to the next of kin and in the practice there are a few breaches of confidentiality.