Hi all, my name is Hannah Twaite and I'm a Training and Development Coach for HSM.
I'm going to be posting a monthly mini blog highlighting a specific theme, offering you information and guidance on the chosen subject. This month's theme is Equality and Human Rights. Please have a read of the information below and click on the links.
Equality Act 2010
Equality – So many times I hear people say, equality means treating everyone as equals. How can this be? How can we treat individuals equally? If we treat individuals as equals, how is this promoting individualised care? How would you feel if you were not given fair opportunities to live your life as you wish to? Would this have an impact on your health and wellbeing? I know it would me.
Equality is not about treating everyone the same as equals; it’s about ensuring that access to opportunities is available to all by taking account of people’s differing needs and capabilities.
What does Equality mean in health and social care? HSM promotes equality, recognises diversity and seeks to offer opportunities and access to health and social care treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Why is Equality important in Health and Social care? Equality in health and social care is paramount to the well- being and fair treatment of customers as it ensures they are treated fairly with respect and dignity.
Human Rights Act 1998
Human Rights - Human rights represent all the things that are important to us as humans, such as being able to choose how we live our life and being treated with dignity and respect.
What is the importance of human rights in health and social care? Human rights offer the importance of protection for us all, but especially those who may face abuse, neglect or isolation. The most important aspect of human rights is to empower and enable individuals to speak up and to challenge poor treatment from a public authority.
Links to further information and guidance