Health and Social Care

Things to read

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures by Anne Fadiman: This non-fiction book tells the true story of a Hmong refugee family and their epileptic daughter, Lia Lee, in California. It’s a powerful exploration of the cultural clashes that can occur within the healthcare system, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity, communication, and understanding diverse beliefs when providing care. It makes complex ethical and social issues very relatable through a compelling personal narrative.

Inside the Care Crisis with Ed Balls (BBC Two): This documentary series explores the challenges within the adult social care system in the UK. Ed Balls investigates issues like low wages for care staff, funding shortfalls, and the struggles faced by families trying to navigate the system to get care for their loved ones, particularly those with conditions like dementia. It highlights the human and systemic issues at the heart of social care.

BBC Radio 4 – All in the Mind: This program explores psychology, psychiatry, and mental health. Mental health is a crucial part of health and social care, and this podcast offers accessible discussions on various aspects of the mind and well-being.

Ethics / Philosophy: Health and Social Care often involves complex moral dilemmas. Studying ethics or philosophy can help you:
Develop your own moral reasoning skills.
Understand different ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology). Grapple with difficult questions surrounding patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life care, and resource allocation within healthcare systems.

A local care home or retirement village: Many care homes may offer limited educational visit opportunities, or colleges like South and City College Birmingham facilitate visits as part of their H&SC courses, as per search results.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital (or other NHS hospital): While direct student access to patient care areas is restricted, some hospitals or related educational academies (like James Brindley Academy within BCH) offer insights into the healthcare environment or career paths.

Research and Create a “Support Resource Guide”: Choose a specific health condition (e.g., diabetes, dementia, anxiety) or a social care need (e.g., caring for an elderly relative, supporting someone with a learning disability). Research online (using reputable sources like NHS websites, charity sites, government guidance) what support is available.