This is the concise, accessible guide for students and practitioners who want a comprehensive introduction to health and social care.

Engaging practical features, such as user-focused case studies and reflective exercises, promote understanding of theoretical and conceptual knowledge. In turn, clear explanations of social policy theory help frame the policy and practice dilemmas faced by students, front-line workers and policy makers. Chapters cover partnership working and integrated care, independent living, disability and long-term conditions, discrimination, user involvement and support for carers.

This new edition has been updated to cover key developments under the Coalition and beyond, including the 2012 Health Act, the 2014 Care Act, the Francis inquiry, the Winterbourne View abuse scandal, the integrated care agenda and the impact of austerity.

"'This welcome third edition updates a most useful textbook for UK social science and social policy students. Its policy analysis is also particularly relevant to professional readers seeking to know how we arrived at the state we're in.'" Jill Manthorpe, Director of the Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London?
"Great addition to the previous editions of Glasby's work. Contextualises Health and Social Care in a relevant and insightful format. Fantastic read for students being introduced to the field." Vanessa McNulty, University of Huddersfield
?"This book stands out because it cogently explores how the NHS and social care systems work together - where they succeed and where they fail?.? Indispensable." Professor Sir Julian Le Grand, London School of Economics
"This comprehensive, insightful and fully updated introduction offers social policy, health and social care professionals and students a thorough and accessible grounding in today’s pressing issues." Dr David Orr, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex

Jon Glasby is Professor of Health and Social Care and Head of the School of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham, UK. A qualified social worker by background, he is engaged in regular research and policy advice around the future of health and social care.