Human rights in health and social care

Abstract

PurposeIt was expected that the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998 would promote a human rights culture in public services and beyond. This paper seeks to focus on the Act's impact on minority, ethnic users of health and social care services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviewed recent policy and academic papers as well as legislative and government initiatives since the Act's implementation in 2000. It also looked at user surveys and evidence submitted to Parliament and public inquiries. A critical synthesis and analysis of the data was attempted.FindingsThe paper makes the argument that the original intentions behind the HRA have not been materialised. The paper attributes this failure to issues of misunderstanding around the Act and human rights. The paper also argues that by focusing more on mainstreaming the principles underlying the Act and less on its legalistic interpretation, human rights will be seen more relevant by both users and providers of health and social care services.Originality/valueAn original analysis and interpretation of what these principles encompass is attempted whilst brief recommendations for policy and practice are posited.