This title brings sociological and theoretical underpinnings of the healthcare sector together and aligns them with the role and function of healthcare workers, making this an expert text perfect for all those involved in the public and social health industries. 

Healthcare support workers (HSWs) play a fundamental role in international healthcare systems, and yet they remain largely invisible. Despite this, the number of HSWs is growing fast as modern governments strive to combat illness in a world of finite resources. This original collection analyses the global experience of HSWs in the UK, Japan, Australia, Brazil and Canada. Leading academics examine issues including the interface of HSWs with the health professions, regulatory practice risks, employment challenges and the dilemmas of an ageing population. Crucial future policy recommendations are also made for a world becoming increasingly dependent on HSWs.