Positive Care Environment Analysis

A positive care environment promotes person centred care, this means that service users are given individual care that is tailored in a way that allows them to live their lives fully. A positive care environment has four strands; these are therapeutic, organisational, physical and community. (Miller, J, 2015) (Gibb and Miller, 2007)
The therapeutic aspect is focussed on the care received, and how it creates a positive outcome for the service user, this includes good communication, building strong relationships, person centred planning and the choices available to the person in receipt of care. (Miller, J, 2015) (Gibb and Miller, 2007)
Organisational encompasses how well the staff work together, the quality of staff training and the aims, objectives

and mission statement of the organisation. (Miller, J, 2015) (Gibb and Miller, 2007)
The physical environment is the building the care is provided in, this includes the location, grounds, accessibility, furnishings and comforts and luxuries which help to reinforce well-being. (Miller, J, 2015) (Gibb and Miller, 2007)
A positive community environment incorporates the links between families and the wider community and the resources within the community that is available to the service user.

(Miller, J, 2015) (Gibb and Miller, 2007)
Having a positive care environment ensures that each service user is given choice, treated in a fair manner, with dignity, respect, privacy and are empowered to make decisions that promote their own sense of wellbeing. (Miller, J, 2015) (Gibb and Miller, 2007)
A positive care environment is reinforced by legislation and national care standards implemented by the Scottish Government. Legislation such as, Data Protection Act 1998, Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, GIRFEC (Getting it right for every child) and the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 put safeguards in place to give the service user legal rights.
The Data Protection Act 1998 places controls on the length of time, who has access, and how much personal information can be stored on an individual by organisations, businesses and the Government. Any private information must be kept secure in compliance with the law. This ensures the individual’s right to privacy and confidentiality is upheld. (Gov.uk.

2016)
The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 places protections on people who have mental illness, learning disabilities or a personality disorder. The act outlines an individual’s rights regarding treatment received for their illness, hospitalisation against their will, advocacy and advanced statements. The act ensures the service user has the same rights as those with other health issues, promotes their right for choice and helps them maintain their quality of life. (NHSGGC. 2016)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure their staff are working in an environment that keeps them safe from harm by giving them adequate, up to date training on health and safety. The act promotes positive care by ensuring all clients, workforce and visitors to the premises are kept safe. (Worksmart. 2016)
The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 is designed to improve the overall standard of care services.

The act established the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Care Inspectorate). The SSSC ensures the standards of care practice by the workforce is raised through continuous and rigorous training programmes and education, and the Care Inspectorate, which has since been changes to Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS) under the Public Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2011, inspects care services to ensure they are meeting the required National Care Standard set out by legislation. (Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland. 2016) (Community Care and Criminal Justice.

2016)
The National Care Standards, implemented by the Scottish Government and developed by service users, set out guidelines on how a care service should promote good quality care. It places an emphasis on dignity, choice, privacy, safety, realising potential and equality and diversity. These standards ensure service users receives the same high standard of care from all care services and ensures professionals delivering the care are fully trained and have the knowledge to carry out the job that is required.