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Issues relating to the difficulties faced by social workers when they try to have a discussion on ill health with service users are presented. these discussions may take place to assess necessary intervention or eligibility for services.

It is becoming increasingly widely recognized in the UK that social inequalities can have a significant impact on an individual's health and life expectancy. The government has made a commitment to addressing social inequalities as part of its efforts to improve public health, and this policy will have significant repercussions for social work, as almost all social work service users experience poor health. It is also important to consider the role of social work in tackling threats to health in childhood.

Reports from the UK Department of Health and other UK sources show that children and young people known to the social services have more illnesses than other children. The reports recommend measures to improve the situation but, in contrast, there are government policies which exacerbate matters by increasing the social and economic inequalities which place some children at a disadvantage. The reports' recommendations for good practice are evaluated, focusing on improved surveillance, health education and better partnerships with parents and between professionals.

The development of a strategy for social work research in higher education institutions in the UK is described. The obstacles and opportunities for continuing social work research in the UK are discussed and the processes by which consensus are secured across higher education institutions are presented.

A study to determine the level of social interaction that senior service users required to adjust in society following a hospital discharge is conducted. Results reveal that senior users required a support system that enabled them to regain their health through interpersonal interactions both personal and group as well as participation in recreation within their capacity.

The current development of social work in UK accident and emergency (A&E) departments is part of a conjoint health/social care policy drive to divert older people from unnecessary admission to acute hospital care on social grounds. The prime criterion for assessing A&E social work is its contribution to heal and social care and not its powers of diversion.

Social workers have a vital role in supporting the need for greater health equality for all UK citizens. Yet in the past social workers have been instrumental in perpetuating health inequality by sanctioning a poor level of service and giving inadequate resources. Social work can be utilized to help improve the health of disadvantaged people by supporting research and initiatives which are introduced to help improve health. Social workers can work more closely with other professional groups and reestablish their role in tackling poverty, as part of the drive to reduce health inequalities.