Working in partnership

Your role will require you to collaborate with numerous individuals who have various responsibilities. This is referred to as ‘partnership working’. Cultivating strong relationships will enhance the quality of care provided.

The primary working relationships in health and social care can be grouped into four categories:

Individuals and their friends and family.

Your colleagues and supervisors.

Individuals from other workplaces, including advocates.

Volunteers and community groups.

Advocate

An advocate is someone who offers support by speaking on behalf of an individual. For instance, an individual’s carer may offer support by visiting or providing meals in their social care or health setting.

You should be accommodating and ensure that this support is integrated into the care plan and routine, and that it is comprehensible to other workers. You may also assist the individual in expressing their wishes to the carer.

Not all of the individuals you assist may be self-assured or capable of speaking up. If their care is substandard or they are treated in a manner that does not uphold their rights, you must assist them in lodging a complaint or raise concerns yourself.

Other professionals may provide a service to someone for whom you provide care and support. For example, a dietitian might offer advice to the individual regarding their weight and assist them in devising a meal and snack plan, taking into account any preferences or specific dietary requirements. As the worker who is likely to have the most frequent contact with the individual, you can encourage them to adhere to the diet and support them in providing feedback on how the diet is working or if it needs adjustments. If the individual experiences a loss of appetite or becomes unwell as a result, you should promptly arrange for a review of the diet. Frequently, healthcare support workers or adult social care support workers are in a position to play a significant role in making observations and establishing connections with other professionals because of their regular contact with the individual. They are highly valuable partners in delivering comprehensive health or social care to an individual.

All collaborative relationships should encompass mutual respect and should appreciate the skills and knowledge of others, focusing on working collectively in the best interests of the individual receiving care and support. The significance of people working together should not be underestimated, as serious case reviews, conducted when a vulnerable adult passes away or suffers significant harm, often identify deficiencies in partnership working as a crucial factor in the mishap.