DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 10 November 2008
The first ever
award which recognises people who treat patients with dignity and
respect and who provide outstanding care is launched today by Sir
Michael Parkinson and Care Services Minister Phil Hope.
The People's Award for Dignity in Care is open to everyone.
Anyone can nominate individuals or teams who have gone above and
beyond the call of duty to improve patient dignity in care.
Local nominees will be put forward for a regional award and one
overall winner will then be chosen by panel of national judges.
The number of Dignity Champions across the country has already
risen to more than 3,000. Dignity Champions. They include
managers, frontline staff, porters, MPs and, most famously,
Michael Parkinson. They are all committed to making a difference
to the way in which older people are treated in care.
Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael Parkinson said:
"I'm delighted that there will now be a People's
Award for Dignity in Care. It is important that we celebrate the
people who are dedicated to raising standards of care all across
the country.
"What really inspires me about the Dignity in Care campaign
is that we can all contribute to improving the way elderly people
are treated when they receive care. Most of us will at some point
be in contact with care services - be that in our work, or as a
service user, a carer or a relative or friend. I would encourage
everyone to help drive up care standards, whether that be by
reporting poor care if we see it, or if we witness someone going
that extra mile we should take the time to show our appreciation.
"The People's Award for Dignity in Care is a great way
to recognise the dedication of health and care staff to treating
people with the dignity and respect they deserve."
Minister of State for Care Services, Phil Hope said:
"People want and have a right to expect services with
dignity and respect at their heart, so I am delighted to launch
the Dignity in Care Awards today so we can celebrate those people
dedicated to raising standards of care all across the country.
"Any member of the public can nominate a member of staff or
team for the Dignity in Care Awards, which will recognise and
reward high standards of care. Ultimately, higher standards will
enable people to live their own lives as they wish, confident that
services are of high quality, are safe and promote their own
individual needs for independence, well-being and dignity."
Notes to Editors:
Nominations for the Dignity Awards open soon and close 6 March
2009. To register interest, go to http://www.healthandsocialcareawards.org.uk
and click on 'Register your Interest'. You will be sent
details of how to make a nomination.
The criteria are for a person or a team who are focussed on the
person, by providing simple, clear and accessible information
about services; provide a better service by striving to deliver a
service that's personal; and show dignity and respect by
supporting people to express their needs and wants.
Regional winners will be picked by a judging panel of local
experts from across the health and social care sector
Dignity Champion case studies from across England are available
on request - please contact Department of Health Newsdesk on 020
7210 5221
Dignity Champions come from different walks of life. Anyone can
become a Dignity Champion. What they do in their roles as Dignity
Champions varies widely but what they all share is a commitment to
making a difference, however small, to the way older people
experience care.
For further details or to sign up to become a dignity champion
see http://www.dignityincare.org.uk
High quality care services that respect people's dignity should:
1. Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
2. Support people with the same respect you would want for
yourself or a member of your family
3. Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
4. Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of
independence, choice and control
5. Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
6. Respect people's right to privacy
7. Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
8. Engage with family members and carers as care partners
9. Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self esteem
10. Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation