Failures in Health and Social Care: Governance and Culture Change

This book explores the failures in health and social care over the past decade, discussing governance failures, culture change, and shifts in the social contract. It provides examples from various settings and argues that the concept of culture must be cast wider to achieve lasting change. It is relevant to those interested in health, social care, political science, and sociology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This thought-provoking book delves into the significant decline in the quality of health and social care over the past decade, shedding light on governance failures and the formidable challenges associated with achieving lasting change. Failures in care have been observed across various settings, including care for older individuals, end-of-life care, learning disabilities, mental health, maternity care, and services for vulnerable children. Through detailed examples drawn from these diverse contexts, Neil Small demonstrates that the same underlying problems persist across these settings, and they continue to impact individuals to this day. The book also explores the interplay between culture change, funding levels, and the influence of prevailing political and economic ideologies. By examining these factors through the lens of shifts in societal trust, the book argues that the concept of culture must be broadened beyond organizational and professional cultures to secure meaningful change.

This book aims to provide insights into improving the quality of care within the NHS and welfare systems more broadly. While its case examples are primarily based in the UK, the issues of governance, culture change, and the social contract failures that it illuminates have international relevance. It is a valuable read for individuals with interests in health, social care, political science, and sociology.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing the quality of health and social care. By examining the underlying issues, exploring governance failures, and advocating for broader cultural change, it provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike. The book's international relevance and its focus on achieving lasting change make it an essential read for anyone interested in improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032365176