 Describe the range and function of health agencies and services available

locally Health agencies and services

1. Residential care

Residential care refers to any care and services someone receives when they
are living in a care facility. People who need extra help with day-to-day tasks, or
who have family, health, or drug and alcohol problems, might be able to receive
residential care.

Residential care refers to any group living arrangement where children are
looked after by paid staff in a specially designated facility. It covers a wide variety
of settings ranging from emergency shelters and small group homes, to larger-
scale institutions such as orphanages or children’s homes. As a general rule,
residential care should only be provided on a temporary basis, for example while
efforts are made to promote family reintegration or to identify family based care
options for children. In some cases however, certain forms of residential care can
operate as a longer-term care solution for children.

Types of residential care

 Foster care – for children who are removed from their homes due to abuse or
neglect
 kinship care – when it is culturally appropriate to keep a child connected with
family and community
 therapeutic residential care – trained therapists help children and young adults
who have been abused, neglected or separated from their family
 rehabilitation centres – these help people after an accident or injury, such as a
brain injury or amputation
 residential rehabilitation – these help people who have problems with drugs and
alcohol. They offer counselling and support.

a) delivery approaches

b) Functions

Accommodation services include:

 bedding
 food and drinks
 washing and cleaning
  gardening 
 building maintenance 
 heating and cooling
 garbage services
 laundry services
 basic toiletries
 social activities
 emergency assistance.
Personal care includes help with:
 eating and drinking
 dressing, bathing and personal hygiene 
 maintaining continence
 moving around
 emotional support
 taking medicines
 talking and communicating
 ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation programs
 access to healthcare professionals
 the effects of cognitive impairment.
Complex care and services include:
 allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and speech therapy
 incontinence aids
 custom bedding 
 mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs
 palliative care
 nursing services.

c) specific service provision to meet needs

Residential care homes offer supervised care, meals, activities and health
management. While assisted living communities may offer extensive activities, such as
senior aerobics and field trips, a care home is a better fit for smeone who needs more
individual, home-setting care.
Here are some of the basic services offered in care homes:
 Comfortable private, or semi-private, rooms
 1-to-3 daily, home cooked meals
 Housekeeping and laundry service
 Medication management
 Social programs and activities
 Transportation to doctor's appointments

d) funding
 The government can subsidise a short stay in an aged care home, but it
expects people to make a contribution if they can afford it.

e) roles/responsibilities

social care worker

supporting the social worker in discharging their responsibilities: n The
social worker is made feel welcome by the staff team when visiting and
has no difficulty in arranging visits. n The social worker is facilitated in
visiting the child in private. n The social worker is given full access to
review case files and daily logs concerning the child. n The social worker
is promptly informed of all significant events involving the child. n The
social worker is informed of any complaints made by the child. n The
social worker is invited to attend placements reviews. n The social worker
is consulted in advance in relation to any proposed periods of time to be
spent by the child away from the centre overnight. n The social worker is
informed of any risks to the child arising from the behaviour of another
child. n The social worker is provided with a procedure for raising
concerns and making complaints. n A main staff member/keyworker is
assigned to liaise with the social worker to facilitate effective
communication. n The centre should implement any interventions in
relation to the child that have been agreed on an inter-disciplinary basis. n
The centre should implement the relevant actions of the care plan through
the placement plan. n The centre should understand the role of the social
worker as an advocate and protector and respect their right to raise
questions in relation to practice. n The residential centre’s policies should
include a policy, to be developed in consultation with the local social work
department, which outlines the role of the supervising social worker and
required standards. The social worker should be informed of any new
policies or of any changes to current policy in a centre.

Psychologist
The Psychologist provides specialist advice and consultative support to
residential care workers on the provision of therapeutic care to children.
Psychologists are based in residential care homes in the metropolitan
area (via country residential care and/or district in country areas) and are
involved in all aspects of the child’s daily life working in a ‘hands on’
capacity. 16 Psychologists are change agents in the delivery of services to
children in the residential care setting by: working closely with the
Manager on ways to improve the home’s therapeutic environment; and
working collaboratively with residential care workers in guiding and
supporting the provision of therapeutic care.
 f) partnership working

works in partnership with the child, young person and their family, with a
focus that a supportive and child-led service is at the forefront of practice.
Bayis Sheli also works in partnership with other professionals such as the
families’ social worker, education and health services. This ensures that a
consistent and holistic approach to an individual’s care is developed and
maintained.

Residential centre staff members and social workers should work closely
together in caring for a child. This partnership approach is essential in
ensuring the child receives the best possible standard of care.

g) Funding

1. State Fund
If you are eligible for state funding, benefits such as a state pension or a
private pension will be used to help pay for the cost of care. However, you
will still need an income each week. This is called the Personal Expenses
Allowance and is a set amount that a person should be left with. This
varies according to which part of the UK you live in
2. Federal and local authority
3. Pension
4. Self-funding
5. Family members

h) Lines of reporting

Director of Operations

A typical nursing home will have a person that serves as the director of operations. It is
the job of this individual to make sure that the goals of the nursing home are being met.
This person is sometimes given the title of executive administrator because the duties
also include being directly in charge of the administration staff. The director is typically
the public face of the nursing home, is in charge of procuring outside funding via
investors or donations when necessary, and is not typically involved in the day-to-day
care of patients. In larger nursing homes, one or several assistant directors are
available to assist the director of operations with regular duties.
Administrative Staff

The administrative staff within a nursing home often makes up the smallest department,
even though they have the broadest range of tasks. These tasks include dealing with all
financial matters such as payroll, taxes, utilities, and accounts receivable. Duties also
include assisting with ordering office and medical supplies, dealing with human resource
matters for staff and residents, and answering phone calls as well as emails. The
administrative staff also usually manages the front desk of the nursing home and greets
all visitors. Sometimes, the administrative staff reports to an office manager or assistant
director. In other cases, they report directly to the director of operations.
Support Staff

These employees are responsible for the upkeep of the facility and basic human needs
of the residents. Their duties include landscaping and lawn care, handling garbage
disposal, and cleaning the facility’s public areas, resident rooms, bathrooms and office
areas. Support employees also serve as the kitchen staff, preparing meals for residents
and staff members on a daily basis. There is often a kitchen manager leading the
kitchen staff and a custodial manager leading employees in charge of cleaning and
maintenance. The support staff reports to these supervisors and then to the director of
operations.
Chief Nursing Officer

Most nursing homes employ a chief nursing officer who serves as the head of all direct
care-giving employees. This person works hand-in-hand with the director of operations
to ensure that the wants and needs of all residents are being met. The chief nursing
officer also coordinates with all nurses and nursing managers to ensure that the care-
giving standards of the nursing home are being upheld universally.
Nursing Managers

Nursing managers have a smaller number of staff and residents they are responsible
for. At least one nurse manager is typically assigned to each floor of a nursing home. It
is their job to make sure that the nurses working their floor are all coordinating as a
team to provide the best level of care to the residents. Nursing managers report to the
chief nursing officer or director of operations.
Direct Support Staff
 The department responsible for providing direct care of all residents’ medical and
comfort needs consists of an assortment of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses,
and certified nursing assistants. In some cases, there is a physician or physician’s
assistant present, but they more commonly check in only a few times a month to
evaluate patient care and sign off on prescriptions. The direct care staff makes sure that
the patients are clean, comfortable, and taking their medications properly. Since they
are the ones who monitor residents24 hours a day, they are also the first responders
when a medical emergency occurs. Direct care staff members report to the nursing
manager in charge of their floor.

2. Rehabilitation centre

a rehab treatment center is there to offer a facility that can provide substance
abusers and drug addicts with the tools to deal with their drug recovery process or
alcohol recovery process.

Enabling recovery for people with complex mental health needs – a template for
rehabilitation services, and is based on a national survey undertaken in 2004 “A
whole systems approach to recovery from mental illness that maximises an
individual’s quality of life and social inclusion by encouraging their skills,
promoting independence and autonomy in order to give them hope for the future
and leads to successful community living through appropriate support.”
a) Functions

 The rehabilitation physician (also known as a physiatrist) and

rehabilitation nurse have special training in diagnosing and treating people
with disabilities. Their goal is to help the patient function as independently as
possible.
  The prevention of secondary deterioration is important. Evidence
clearly confirms that specific interventions can prevent deterioration and
complications. These interventions may not reliably occur in non-rehabilitation
environments.
  Rehabilitation builds upon natural recovery processes. Rehabilitation
interventions are incremental and work toward functional gains. The
challenges of mobility, self-care and communication can be overwhelming for
 the patient. This may result in a hopeless “giving-up” response by the patient.
Over time and with comprehensive rehabilitation, progress can occur.
  An optimal environment for neurological recovery is provided by
rehabilitation settings.
  Various compensatory techniques are provided and taught to promote
recovery and help with the tasks of daily living.
  Adaptive and specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs or orthoses,
is available in this setting.
  Environmental modifications are available. These include architectural
and transportation interventions. Even more important may be interventions in
the patient’s social milieu, which include modifications at home, at work and in
the community.

Acute inpatient hospital rehabilitation uses an interdisciplinary approach

that includes medical stabilization, physical rehabilitation and
cognitive/behavioral rehabilitation. This approach promotes learning, coping
and adapting as the patient faces life-altering changes.

b) funding
Services for substance abusers and addicts come in many different forms,
including:
We want you to know that we are here to help you access the proper rehab
treatment regardless of your budget. We will find a way to make it happen.
However, we need you to get in touch with us to start the process.

NHS Services
The most attractive thing about services offered by the NHS is the fact that they
are free. If you believe you’re suffering from abuse or addiction problem, your first
step might be a visit to your GP for medical assessment. If it turns out you are
substance abuser or addict, your GP can point you to free NHS services of which
you can avail yourself.
The one downside to NHS services is that they include waiting times. Your GP
might refer you to a programme today, and then you end up waiting weeks to get
started. In the meantime, you’ll have to access other free programmes offered by
support groups and charitable organisations.
Should you take advantage of all the services offered by the NHS yet still find
yourself in trouble, you may be eligible for government-paid residential treatment
at a private clinic. However, the NHS does not approve this type of care for
 everybody. In fact, a lack of government funding has significantly reduced these
opportunities over the years.

Charitable Services
You may decide that addiction recovery charities are a better option than the
services offered by the NHS. In such a case, you might be eligible for either
reduced-cost or free services. Keep in mind that most of what is offered by
charitable organisations depends heavily on their budgets. They are funded
primarily by private and corporate donations.
Reduced-cost services would include things like counselling and outpatient
treatment programmes. Residential treatment, when it’s available, is often free
thanks to the generous patrons who provide the funding.
Seeking help through a charitable organisation does have its advantages as
compared to using NHS services. Yet availability is always an issue. We can help
you look around to see what is available through various charities, but your
options might be limited.

Private Services
We usually recommend services from private rehab clinics as the best option for
most addicts. Private treatment offers the best chances of complete recovery
thanks to dedicated staff and resources, proven treatment methods, and a single
focus on addiction recovery . However, you probably realise private services are
not free.
Private services can include both outpatient and inpatient treatments, with costs
ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds. The cost really
depends on the services you use and the clinics that provide them. If you don’t
have the cash to pay for private treatment, there are options:
 Private Health Insurance – Most of the private health insurance plans in
the UK cover addiction recovery services, at least in part. Furthermore, the clinics
we work with accept all of the major insurance plans. You would just need a
referral from your GP and your health insurance plan number.
 Private Donations/Loans – There are times when clients call us in
desperate need of private treatment yet they do not have private insurance.
Another option is to ask family members and friends to help you out via their
collective donations. Donations can be offered as a gift or structured as a
personal loan. If you are willing to commit to complete recovery, you might be
surprised by the willingness of your loved ones  to help.
 Commercial Loans – Some substance abusers and addicts still have a
decent credit rating and a stable income. For them, a commercial loan is another
possibility. If an addict does not qualify for a loan, there might be a family member
willing to take out a personal loan for him/her.
 Charitable Grants – On occasion, addiction recovery charities will offer
grants for residential treatment. They might do so if they desire to offer that type
of support despite not having the facilities to do it themselves. These grants are
limited in nature, but they are available from time to time.
We want you to know that private treatment is often less expensive than people
expect. There are so many clinics available in the UK right now that it’s easier
than ever to find affordable treatment. Please do not let your fear of inadequate
funding prevent you from getting in touch with us. Our expertise in private
treatment is just what you need to find a clinic and programme that fits in your
budget.

c) partnership working

They may also include specialist therapies to address ongoing substance

misuse; occupational therapy to support the person to gain confidence
and skills in activities of daily living and to engage in community-based
leisure and vocational activities. A rehabilitation unit should have a culture
of therapeutic optimism

3. Mental Health services

any one of a group of government, professional, or lay organizations operating at a com
munity, state, national, orinternational level to aid in the prevention and treatment of me
ntal disorders. This can include forensic, Recovery and rehabilitation services, Living at
home with a care package, Housing and housing-related support, Care homes and nursing home
care

a) delivery approaches

b) Functions

The Psychiatric Hospitals' responsibilities are to:

 Provide specialized treatment and rehabilitative services for patients with psychiatric problems
that are difficult to manage and are of medium or long term duration. The instability of their
medical psychiatric condition and the need for highly specialized intervention and supervision,
would be decisive factors in their hospitalization. Four groups are identified as follows:
o elderly patients suffering from a major mental illness and who are not appropriate for
placement in nursing homes;
 o developmentally delayed patients with psychiatric disorders and severely
disruptive/aggressive behavior;
o patients with schizophrenia who are chronically psychotic, assaultive or suicidal; and
o chronic schizophrenic patients who exhibit behavior, which makes them vulnerable to
exploitation or is unacceptable even in enlightened communities.
 Serve as specialized forensic centres for long term "intensive" care, long-term forensic services,
and observation and treatment of cases that present high security risks. (A single forensic
inpatient unit is located at the Restigouche Hospital Center.)
 Serve as a specialized inpatient resource for other mental health services.
 Serve as a support centre for evaluation, research and training in the fields of mental health.
 Provide psychiatric telephone consultation or on-site support services to other agencies, in
particular for psychogeriatric patients or developmentally handicapped.

c) specific service provision to meet needs

d) funding

e) roles/responsibilities

f) partnership working

g) Lines of reporting

1. DIETICIAN
A dietitian has numerous roles to fill. No matter what your interests are surrounding food
and nutrition, there is a career in dietetics that is right for you. A career in dietetics will
enable you to use your strengths and skills everyday in order to teach others about the
importance of healthy eating and good nutrition. 
roles of dietitians include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Identifying nutrition problems and assessing the nutritional status of patients in a

clinical setting.
 Developing diet plans and counseling patients on special diet modifications.

 Assessing, promoting, protecting, and enhancing the health of the general public
in a community setting and providing strategies for prevention of nutrition-related
diseases. 

 Managing a cost effective food production operation, distributing high quality

meals/snacks, and monitoring sanitation and safety standards in a food service setting. 

 Operating private consulting practices to provide expertise in nutrition, as well as

promote health and prevent disease

 Working with individuals, groups, workplaces and media to provide dietary advice
for healthy living.

 Working with food and pharmaceutical companies to provide research, develop

products, educate consumers, and promote and market better food and nutritional
products in a business setting.

 Teaching nutrition, food chemistry, or food service administration to students in

any health profession and at all levels of education.

Dietitians work on a group and an individual basis with people of all ages. They work
both with people who are sick and people who are well. Responsibilities include:

 providing health advice and promoting healthy eating

 advising about special diets
 making presentations
 writing reports
 educating health professionals and the public about nutrition
 establishing and addressing key health needs
 helping to facilitate dietary changes
 working as part of a multidisciplinary team
 supporting the work of other healthcare professionals
Dieticians may work with people who have been diagnosed with medical conditions
such as diabetes or coeliac disease, or provide practical advice to carers.

Dietician 3
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage
disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific
health-related goal.

Duties of Dietitians and Nutritionists

Dietitians and nutritionists typically do the following:

 Assess patients' and clients' nutritional and health needs

 Counsel patients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits
 Develop meal and nutrition plans, taking both clients' preferences and budgets into account
 Evaluate the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed
 Promote better health by speaking to groups about diet, nutrition, and the relationship
between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific diseases
 Create educational materials about healthy food choices
 Keep up with or contribute to the latest food and nutritional science research
 Document patients' progress

Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate the health of their clients. Based on their findings, dietitians and
nutritionists advise clients on which foods to eat—and which to avoid—to improve their health.
Many dietitians and nutritionists provide customized information for specific individuals. For example,
a dietitian or nutritionist might teach a client with diabetes how to plan meals to balance the client's
blood sugar. Others work with groups of people who have similar needs. For example, a dietitian or
nutritionist might plan a diet with healthy fat and limited sugar to help clients who are at risk for heart
disease. They may work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
Dietitians and nutritionists who are self-employed may meet with patients, or they may work as
consultants for a variety of organizations. They may need to spend time on marketing and other
business-related tasks, such as scheduling appointments, keeping records, and preparing
educational programs or informational materials for clients.
Although many dietitians and nutritionists do similar tasks, there are several specialties within the
occupations. The following are examples of types of dietitians and nutritionists:
Clinical dietitians and clinical nutritionists provide medical nutrition therapy. They work in
hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, private practice, and other institutions. They create
customized nutritional programs based on the health needs of patients or residents and counsel
patients on how to improve their health through nutrition. Clinical dietitians and clinical nutritionists
may further specialize, such as by working only with patients with specific conditions such as kidney
disease, diabetes, or digestive disorders.
Community dietitians and community nutritionists develop programs and counsel the public on
topics related to food, health, and nutrition. They often work with specific groups of people, such as
adolescents or the elderly. They work in public health clinics, government and nonprofit agencies,
health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and other settings.
Management dietitians plan food programs. They work in food service settings such as cafeterias,
hospitals, prisons, and schools. They may be responsible for buying food and for carrying out other
business-related tasks, such as budgeting. Management dietitians may oversee kitchen staff or
other dietitians.
Dietitician 4

dietitian (or dietician)[1] is an expert in dietetics; that is, human nutrition and the regulation of diet. A

dietitian alters their patient's nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs.
Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional
problems

Inpatient clinical dietitians at Lutheran Hospital play a vital role in the healthcare team
by providing nutritional care to patients in various disease states and conditions.
Compromised nutrition in a hospital setting can lead to slow healing and recovery and
may extend hospital stays.

Clinical dietitians monitor, assess, and optimize nutrition status based on the patient's
current medical condition and/or nutrition adequacy. They confer with physicians and
other healthcare professionals to coordinate medical and nutritional needs, and they
make recommendations for tube and intravenous feedings and/or dietary supplements.
Clinical dietitians teach patients how to make nutritionally sound food choices to speed
the recovery process, prevent disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is a dietitian?
Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional
problems at an individual and wider public-health level.
They use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate
into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
Dietitians work in the NHS and in private clinics. They work with healthy and sick people in a variety of settings.
They can work in the food industry, workplace, catering, education, sport and the media. Other care pathways
they work in include mental health, learning disabilities, community, acute settings and public health. 
They often work as integral members of multi-disciplinary teams to treat complex clinical conditions such as
diabetes, food allergy and intolerance, IBS syndrome, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, kidney
failure and bowel disorders. They advise and influence food and health policy across the spectrum from
government, to local communities and individuals.

Reasons to see a dietitian

Finding and accessing the services of a dietitian can be achieved in several ways, but why choose one in the
first place? You may be referred by a GP or request a referral to address a specific medical/health need or
condition.
Alternatively, you may choose to seek out the services of a freelancer. Here are just a few examples of where
they, working on a one-to-one basis or part of a wider health team, can help improve your health and lifestyle:

 you suffer with digestive problems

 you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease,
coeliac, HIV etc
 you have oral, enteral or parenteral nutrition requirements  
 your child, or looked after child, has specialised nutritional requirements
 you are wanting or needing to lose weight in a safe and sensible way
 you need to put weight on following a spell of ill-health or as the result of a medical condition
  you are considering surgery to lose weight
 you want to improve your athletic performance or general fitness levels
 you want advice about breastfeeding and weaning
 you think you have an allergy or intolerance to a certain food
 you would like advice about eating disorders
 you are a carer and want credible and practical advice to ensure the person/s you are caring for is/are getting the
appropriate nutrition in their diet/s.
While dietitians work with individuals, as the above examples explain, in the NHS and on a freelance basis,
they also work across the board wherever food and nutrition is present. 

Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food for
health and well being. They can treat the individual or work with population groups;
working by both prevention and treatment.
Dietitians can work in a range of areas including in acute and community health
sectors, as health educators, in private practice (freelance), in food service and
industry, in sport, research, in media and in public health.

Day to day work of a Dietitian may include:

 educating and advising clients on how food and healthy eating habits can prevent illness and
achieve and maintain optimum health

 educating and advising a wide range of patients on how therapeutic diets and dietary therapy can
improve the management of their conditions

 calculating individual’s nutritional requirements using standard equations based on assessments

of blood chemistry, temperature, stress, mobility and other relevant factors

 analysing the nutritional content of food

 devising eating plans and manipulating recipes

 delivering group sessions to a variety of audiences, including children and patient groups

 educating other healthcare and non-health care professionals about food and nutrition issues;

 working with large companies to support well-being programmes for staff

 advising catering departments about specific dietary requirements

 running clinics in hospital outpatients departments or general practitioners’ (GP) surgeries for
patients who have been referred by hospital consultants, GPs or health visitors
  advising athletes and sports persons on how diet can optimise performance and recovery from
injury

 writing reports and case notes and maintaining accurate records

 carrying out visits to people’s homes, including nursing homes

 preparing information packs, flyers and other promotional materials

 writing for the media, social media, public relations

 research and continuing professional development

 advising the food and pharmaceutical industry

 visiting schools and communities to deliver nutrition components of health promotion campaigns

 running branded campaigns on social media

Dietitians work in such a wide variety of areas these days. You will find that most
would have been sure to have completed at least a few years “grounding” work in
Hospitals, working with a wide range of clinical conditions. They can be general or
complex.

This means that most Dietitians have a fairly wide scope of practice when it comes
to dietary therapy. You can trust a Dietitian to know about Nutrition!

2. Dentists

What is a Dentist?
A dentist is a physician whose practice is in the field of dentistry. This involves the mouth, teeth,
gums and related areas. Some studies have shown that diseases relating to the teeth and gums can
be indicative or indicators of some health issues. The health of the mouth is essential to the general
overall health of the body and a dentist will encourage and assist their patients in maintaining a
healthy mouth by regular cleaning and check-ups.

In this article:

What does a Dentist do?

A dentist performs many important duties in the maintenance of oral health. Check-ups are a major
part of the job and are important for patients keeping on top of their oral care. In addition to
general check-ups, general dentistry involves basic treatments that can be done at a regular dental
office. Such procedures might include filling a tooth, performing a minor surgical procedure such
as a tooth extraction, and cleaning and polishing teeth. A dentist will encourage patients to practice
good dental care by brushing and flossing and getting regular cleanings as these good habits can
help prevent cavities and other tooth and gum diseases.

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, along with
giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. They provide
instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental
care. They remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic
sealants on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also
perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases.
Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace
missing teeth. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics
and other medications.

Dentists use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors,
probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. Lasers, digital scanners, and other computer
technologies also may be used. Dentists wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to
protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.

Scholarships

What Do General Dentists Do?

General dentists are the main providers of dental care to
people of all ages. At a routine visit to your family dentist,
you will probably have a thorough examination of your
mouth (including teeth, gums, and other structures), a
professional cleaning, and a discussion about your dental
(and overall) health. If your exam reveals the presence of
tooth decay, you will probably also have a filling in the
affected tooth. Yet these procedures, while common, are
hardly the only services your general dentist provides
Of an estimated 143,000 dentists practicing in North America, some 80 percent are general
dentists. Unlike specialists, who are mostly focused on a particular aspect of dental practice,
general dentists provide a wide array of services that are vital to your continued health,
including:

 Preventive services — These help you maintain good oral health by stopping disease before it
takes hold in your mouth. Regular exams (including diagnostic images such as x-rays) and
professional teeth cleanings are a cornerstone of prevention. Your general dentist may give you
detailed instructions to improve your at-home oral hygiene, and may also recommend preventive
treatments such as sealants, if needed. And if you lead an active lifestyle, you can be fitted with a
custom-made mouthguard at your dentist’s office.
 Restorative Services — When a problem is found, your dentist will ensure you get timely and
appropriate treatment. Probably the most common (and highly effective) dental restoration
involves removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the affected tooth. But that’s not the only
restorative procedure general dentists provide. They offer you a place to go when you need
prompt treatment for dental trauma—for example, a broken, loosened or knocked-out tooth.
General dentists can diagnose and treat the causes of tooth pain or periodontal (gum) disease.
They may also offer treatments for missing teeth, place crowns or bridgework, and help you get
fitted with dentures. Some provide more advanced treatments, such as root canal therapy,
orthodontics, and dental implants, as well.
 Cosmetic Procedures — Many general dentists can help you get the sparkling smile you’ve
always wanted with a range of cosmetic procedures. These include teeth whitening, cosmetic
bonding—even porcelain veneers. If a brighter smile is what you’re looking for, ask your general
dentist about a smile makeover.
 Overall Health Concerns — In many respects, your oral health can be seen as a mirror of your
general health. Some dental problems may reflect issues in other parts of your body, and vice
versa. For example, untreated oral infections can lead to poorer control of diabetes, an increased
incidence of cardiovascular disease, and complications during pregnancy. General dentists are
trained to identify these and other issues, and offer appropriate treatment or referral when needed.
One special concern is obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially deadly condition that can sometimes
 be treated with an oral appliance. General dentists can also offer nutritional counseling, advice on
tobacco cessation and general health and wellness information.

FUNCTIONS

) Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays,
and other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases
or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.

4) Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.

5) Use air turbine and hand instruments, dental appliances and surgical
implements.

6) Advise and instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes
and treatment of dental problems, and oral health care services.

7) Design, make, and fit prosthodontic appliances such as space maintainers,

bridges, and dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for
denturists and dental technicians.

8) Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth, gums

and related oral structures, and provide preventive and corrective services.

9) Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.

10) Write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

11) Analyze and evaluate dental needs to determine changes and trends in

patterns of dental disease.

12) Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp

chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.

13) Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental

instruments.
14) Perform oral and periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.

15) Remove diseased tissue using surgical instruments.

16) Apply fluoride and sealants to teeth.

17) Manage business, employing and supervising staff and handling

paperwork and insurance claims.

18) Bleach, clean or polish teeth to restore natural color.

19) Plan, organize, and maintain dental health programs.

20) Produce and evaluate dental health educational materials.

Dentist Job Purpose

Provide care and maintenance for the general health of patient's mouth and teeth.
Diagnose and treat health problems affecting the mouth and teeth. Offer services to
increase number of patients visiting practice, typically providing care under the National
Health Service (NHS) or through private insurance.

Dentist Job Duties:

 Instruct patients on how to care for their mouths and teeth on their own
 Increase clients through marketing services and creative practice options
 Examine and diagnose patients via routine check-ups and tools such as x-ray machines
 Consult with patients about dental options to discuss treatment of the mouth and teeth
 Keep accurate records of patient visits, diagnosis and treatment
 Implement clinical treatment of mouth and teeth conditions such as gum disease and
tooth decay
 Managing and training other dental staff or dental practice managers
 Plan and manage budgets of dental practice
 Purchase equipment and maintain equipment inventory as needed
 Recommend both prescription and non-prescription products, such as toothpaste,
mouthwash, etc., for optimal care of patients' mouth and teeth
 Stay updated on patient care, new technology and new products that can improve or
treat patient conditions or improve overall health
  Keep all certifications, registrations and insurance current in accordance with national
laws and regulations
 Maintain sanitary environment for patient care and examination

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in mental health. A consultant is the most senior psychiatrist
and has overall responsibility for your care. In order to assess your mental health, they will ask you
about your background and previous treatment, as well as your situation at the moment. They will
discuss the results of your assessment and diagnosis with you. They will discuss with you what tests or
treatments you might need, and can prescribe medication if you need it. They may also want to meet
with you again to review the effects of any treatments

Psychiatry is that branch of medicine which deals with the origin, diagnosis, prevention,
and management of mental disorders and emotional and behavioural disturbances.
Thus, a psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor who has received further training in the
field of diagnosing and managing those illnesses and disturbances. The role and
responsibilities of the psychiatrist include planning and delivering high-quality services
within the resources available. A psychiatrist will also advocate for the patients, the
carers, and the services. This chapter is directed towards psychiatrists and the medical
profession as a whole, towards other members of the multidisciplinary teams, as well as
to employers and other stakeholders such as policy makers and patients and their
families.
Clinical Psychiatrist Job Description
Clinical psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with mental disorders. They may work in
offices, hospitals or mental health clinics. Clinical psychiatrists may prescribe medication or suggest
therapy according to their patents' needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted in 2015
that the mean annual salary of psychiatrists, including clinical psychiatrists, was $193,680.
Employment of physicians and surgeons, including psychiatrists, was anticipated to increase 15%
between 2014 and 2024, according to the BLS.

Job Duties
Clinical psychiatrists are responsible for analyzing a patient's mental health status and providing the
necessary treatment. They may admit patients to hospitals, order tests, prescribe medication or
recommend therapy. Additionally, they hold regular discussions with patients to diagnose mental
disorders or assess a patent's response to treatment. Some clinical psychiatrists manage their own
practices, while others, such as those who work in hospitals or clinics, may report to a supervisor.

he Role of the Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists attend medical school, earn their M.D., and specialize in the physical brain and
its interaction with behavior to create the patient's personality. In addition, a Psychiatrist will
also complete a residency at a clinic or hospital, training in a multitude of disciplines, which
usually include neurology, forensic psychology, and chemical dependency. Most psychiatric
residency programs are four years, with the final year focused on the resident's elected
specialty. After residency, they take the state medical board for their license to practice.
Psychiatrists will determine whether the illness is caused by mental health or another
physical condition, often looking to rule out another medical cause of the symptoms before
a diagnosis. For example, a Psychiatrist might examine through medical testing whether the
patient's negative feelings are because of a thyroid problem rather than an anxiety disorder.
They also consider whether a chemical imbalance is causing the problem, as well as
observe the physical reaction of the body to the symptoms. Psychiatrists also study the
effects of medication on the body. After diagnosis, they might prescribe medication to
manage the condition. Depression and anxiety are two examples of mental health
conditions whose symptoms are controlled well by medication. However, sometimes
medication isn't enough to manage a mental health condition, necessitating psychotherapy
or counseling-- that's where the psychologist steps in.

Job Duties and Tasks for: "Psychiatrist"

1) Analyze and evaluate patient data and test or examination findings to
diagnose nature and extent of mental disorder.

2) Prescribe, direct, and administer psychotherapeutic treatments or

medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
3) Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric
nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
4) Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social and
medical history obtained from patients, relatives, and other professionals.

5) Counsel outpatients and other patients during office visits.

6) Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.

7) Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patient to provide

information on general physical condition and mental disorder.

8) Advise and inform guardians, relatives, and significant others of patients'

conditions and treatment.

9) Review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other

psychiatrists and medical professionals.

10) Teach, conduct research, and publish findings to increase understanding

of mental, emotional, and behavioral states and disorders.

11) Prepare and submit case reports and summaries to government and

mental health agencies.

What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health,
including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental
and physical aspects of psychological problems.

People seek psychiatric help for many reasons. The problems can be sudden, such as
a panic attack, frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing "voices." Or
they may be more long-term, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or
anxiousness that never seem to lift or problems functioning, causing everyday life to feel
distorted or out of control.

The Role of Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete a residency program in psychiatry after completion
of their regular medical training. They diagnose, treat and help prevent mental disorders.
Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication. Sometimes, they may also provide
psychotherapy, but many times, psychiatrists tend to focus on medication management. They tend
to treat the most seriously mentally ill patients, such as those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or
chronic major depression, because these patients often require medication to function on as normal
a level as possible.

Summary
A psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who assesses and treats patients with mental health
problems. Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with general practitioners and other health
professionals to best meet the mental health and emotional needs of patients.

Summary
Psychiatrists play key roles in mental health care in Australia and New Zealand. Working in private, public
or academic practice they see patients in hospitals, their private rooms, clinics and other community
settings. They play pivotal roles in the teaching, research and administration of mental health care as well
as advocating for and leading improvements in service provision. Psychiatrists treat all types of mental
illness, emotional disturbance and abnormal behaviour from mild or episodic conditions to those that are
severe, persistent and life threatening. They work with people of all ages and from all ethnicities and
backgrounds.
A psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who assesses and treats patients with mental health
problems. He or she is skilled in undertaking a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to arrive at an
accurate diagnosis and formulation that considers the interaction between physical and mental illness and
the unique needs and attributes of the individual patient. On this foundation a psychiatrist develops a
comprehensive treatment plan and provides shorter or long term care depending on the needs of the
patient. Longer term care may include psychotherapy. Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with
general practitioners and other health professionals to best meet the mental health and emotional needs
of patients. Psychiatrists work in partnership with patients and their families and carers and are attuned to
the array of social and cultural factors that impact on the individual patient.
At its core, psychiatry involves listening carefully and sensitively to people’s most personal thoughts and
feelings, understanding their mental state, and working with them to identify and implement appropriate
treatments including psychotherapy, psychotropic medication, social strategies and other interventions.

Background
In recent decades there has been enormous change in psychiatric practice and the provision of mental
health care more broadly. Psychiatry has increasingly taken a person-centred approach with a focus on
assisting patients to achieve recovery from mental illness. Psychiatrists collaborate with general
practitioners and other health practitioners such as psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers
and psychiatric nurses to achieve the best care for patients. Early intervention for mental illness together
with improvements in treatment such as new medications and other therapies have led to better mental
health outcomes.
Psychiatry practice on a day-to-day basis involves a combination of:

 listening to and talking with patients, their families and others

  providing specialist care for patients admitted to hospital for treatment or recovery
 undertaking and coordinating specialist mental health treatment
 conducting research and teaching
 advocating for individual patients as well as improved mental health services more broadly
 providing expert opinion to the community on a range of mental health issues
 leading mental health services.

Responsibilities of a psychiatrist
All psychiatrists should first be good doctors. The Australian Medical Council and The Medical Council of
New Zealand have defined what it means to be a good doctor:
‘Patients need good doctors. Good doctors make the care of their patients their first concern: they are
competent, keep their knowledge and skills up to date, establish and maintain good relationships with
patients and colleagues, are honest and trustworthy, and act with integrity’. Medical Council of New
Zealand, Good Medical Practice 2008
‘Doctors have a duty to make the care of patients their first concern and to practise medicine safely and
effectively. Doctors have a responsibility to protect and promote the health of individuals and the
community’. Australian Medical Council, Good Medical Practice 2010
The responsibilities of a psychiatrist are wide reaching, but the care of patients and their families is
paramount. Every psychiatrist, whether they work in public or private practice, will manage the following
important tasks in their work:

1. Caring for patients: Patients allow psychiatrists access to information that is often very private. In
order to provide psychiatric assessment and treatment psychiatrists need to know about very
personal aspects of patients' lives, including their feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Psychiatrists
are responsible for assessing the risk of self-harm and suicide as well as the risk of harm to
others. In specific legally sanctioned circumstances, generally when patients are at imminent risk
of serious harm and refuse treatment, psychiatrists treat patients against their will. Psychiatrists
have legislated and ethical responsibility for ensuring that the rights of involuntary patients are
protected at all times.
2. Managing complex and severe psychiatric conditions: A psychiatrist’s expertise in the complex
interaction between physical and mental illness is crucial to the successful treatment of patients
whose illnesses have both physical and psychological symptoms. Psychiatrists have a detailed
understanding of the potential physical side effects of psychotropic medications and the potential
psychological side effects of treatments for physical illness.
3. Providing clinical leadership: By virtue of having both medical and psychiatric training,
psychiatrists have the unique abilities to prioritise clinical needs and make complex clinical
decisions. Hence they are best placed to lead multidisciplinary teams that are able to achieve the
best possible outcomes for patients and the ongoing improvement of service provision.
4. Teaching and training: Psychiatrists educate patients, carers and the broader community while
also learning from them. They also teach medical students, general practitioners, trainee
psychiatrists and other health professionals.
5. Researching mental illness: Developing a better understanding of illness and pursuing more
effective treatments is an intrinsic part of the role of a psychiatrist.
6. Advocating for health by challenging stigma and discrimination: Stigma and discrimination can be
enormous issues for those who use mental health services. As health advocates psychiatrists
partner with patients, their carers and others to bring about improvements in the design and
provision of services. Psychiatrists have a responsibility to promote the health of individual
patients as well as the broader community, and ensure that mental health care is delivered in
ways that avoid stigma and discrimination.
Psychologist

Psychologists are trained to understand how people think, feel and behave. They have knowledge and
experience of a range of psychological therapies. The role of the psychologist is to help you to improve
your mental health, wellbeing and quality of life. If you are referred to a psychologist, they will talk with
you about your feelings, thoughts and behaviour. They will help you to understand the problems you are
experiencing, and work with you to identify ways you can deal with these problems. A psychologist does
not prescribe medication.

Occupational therapist (OT)

An occupational therapist will help you to overcome physical and psychological barriers, enabling you to
carry out daily activities and tasks that maintain health and wellbeing. This might include preparing
meals, visiting the shops, or continuing with a favourite leisure activity. An OT can assist you with
learning new skills to help you to get the most from life.

Social worker

A social worker will find out what your welfare needs are and tell you how they can help. For example,
you may be entitled to benefits or support. If you are considering accommodation with support, such as
a registered care home, you will have to be assessed by a social worker. They will be able to arrange for
any financial assessment that can show you what charges might be made for services. They can give you
and your family the information and support that you may need to deal with a range of issues such as
housing, benefits, education, child care and respite care.
2. Primary health services

Impact of lack of registration on children or young person

3. FACTORS THAT JEOPARDISE ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN

AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly known as
the Institute of Medicine) define primary care as “the provision of integrated, accessible
health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of
personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and
practicing in the context of family and community.”1 A primary care provider is usually
an internist, family physician, pediatrician, or non-physician provider (e.g., family nurse
practitioner, physician assistant).2, 3 Research shows that access to primary care is
associated with positive health outcomes.2, 4

Primary care providers offer a usual source of care,3 early detection and treatment of
disease,4 chronic disease management, and preventive care.2 Patients with a usual
source of care are more likely to receive recommended preventive services such as flu
shots, blood pressure screenings, and cancer screenings.3, 5, 6However, disparities in
access to primary health care exist, and many people face barriers that decrease
access to services and increase the risk of poor health outcomes.7 Some of these
obstacles include lack of health insurance,7, 8, 9 language-related
barriers,10 disabilities,11 inability to take time off work to attend
appointments,12 geographic and transportation-related barriers,13 and a shortage of
primary care providers.14These barriers may intersect to further reduce access to
primary care.

Lack of health insurance decreases the use of preventive and primary care services and
is associated with poor health outcomes.7, 8, 9, 15, 16 Individuals without health
insurance may delay seeking care when they are ill or injured, and they are more likely
to be hospitalized for chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.4, 7, 8, 9 In
addition, children without health insurance are less likely to get vaccinations, a routine
primary care service.17 Overall, having health insurance increases the use of health
services and improves health outcomes.18, 19

Speaking a language other than English at home can negatively impact access to
primary care and screening programs.10 For example, a study found that Hispanic
individuals who did not speak English at home were less likely to receive recommended
preventive health care services for which they were eligible.10 Another study examined
women of various racial and ethnic groups whose primary language was not English
(they spoke Spanish, Cantonese, or Japanese) and found that they were less likely to
be screened for breast or cervical cancer.20 Similarly, older adults with limited English
proficiency were less likely to have a usual source of care compared to those who only
spoke English.21

People may experience reduced access to primary care due to limited provider office
hours and availability.22, 23 Many primary care providers do not offer services during
typical off-work hours, posing barriers to workers without sick leave benefits.12 One
study found that even when workers were provided with sick leave, some did not take
time off to receive primary care because they still feared they would lose wages.12

Factors such as travel distance and the supply of primary care providers can also limit
people’s ability to get primary care.13 For example, rural residents may need to travel
long distances to get primary care and thus may be less likely to seek preventive care
such as vaccinations.13 In addition, rural communities tend to have fewer providers
than urban communities;1 this relative shortage of providers may make it harder for
rural residents to access primary care.13

Primary care is critical for improving population health and reducing health
disparities.4 Further research is needed to better understand barriers to primary care,
offer support to primary care providers, and develop interventions that expand primary
care access. This additional evidence will facilitate public health efforts to address
access to primary care as a social determinant of health.

For additional information, please see the Access to Health Services literature

summary.

4. WAYS TO OVERCOME HEALTH SERVICE ACCESS FOR CHILDREN AND

YOUNG PEOPLE

5. Choose two concerns from the list below and assess the concern in relation to
the health of children or young people and then detail the action you should take
in line with policy
Concerns may include:
Illness, Injury, Use of illegal substances, Emotional distress, Poor lifestyle choices
Exploitative behaviour (either as victim or perpetrator), Harm or abuse, Changes in
behaviour.
 6. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

7. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE MODEL

8. Exercising

Don't just sit or stand around during outdoor play or active games! Even if you are not very fit
yourself, join in the activity, and encourage children to play with you. Young children learn by
watching adults, and following your example may encourage them to be physically active.

9. Using non-food rewards (pencils, skipping ropes) instead of lollies and sweats