ABSTRACT
Participation' was used in this chapter as the central concept in investigating the experience and behaviour of users of health and social care. The majority of health and social care professionals surveyed stated quite clearly that service users and their carers were consulted regarding their care. The majority of professionals stated that they were keen for service users to have a degree of influence over continuing care. Access in the field of health and social care can be defined in many ways and is closely related to peoples' right to receive care. Access to continuing care is based on an assessment of need. Such an assessment does not necessarily mean that access to services will ensue nor at the level required. In many cases the crucial role of the social worker was identified in providing information relating to discharge including services which may be available.
