St Dunstan's support Dignity in Care
The Dignity in Care campaign was launched initially in November 2006 with the aim of stimulating an ongoing National debate around Dignity in Care, to create a care system that ensures zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of adults. The campaign is led by the Government in partnership with many organisations that provide and commission care, to protect the interest of those using care services.
Over two million health and social care staff in the UK work around the clock to provide support and care for those who need it. Currently over 11,000 of those staff have joined forces to ensure that dignity in care is considered as an integral part of service provision.
Before the campaign launched numerous listening events took place around the country to find out what Dignity in Care meant to people. The issues raised at these events resulted in the development of the 10 point Dignity Challenge, and depicts what high quality services that respect people's dignity should include:
- Have zero tolerance of all forms of abuse.
- Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family.
- Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service.
- Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control.
- Listen and support people to express their needs and wants.
- Respect people's right to privacy
- Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
- Engage with family members and carers as care partners
- Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self-esteem
- Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation.
St Dunstan's is working to give assurance that dignity in care for all is considered and provided as an integral part of care delivery on a daily basis for all our clients.
We have appointed Christine Carlton from Nursing Care as our Dignity Champion. Christing represents us at the local Dignity in Care forum, and her role is to provide a link between St Dunstan's and other local organisations involved.
If you would like to contact Christine please email , or contact Nursing who will forward communications to Christine.
National Dignity Action Day at St Dunstan's
On 25th February 2010 St Dunstan's joined other organisations in the first National Dignity Action Day. To celebrate, a live jazz trio performed to our residents and visitors. A display as part of the campaign to raise awareness was set up to promote discussion amongst staff and residents, and acknowledge all that we have achieved in delivering dignified care.
Other events will be planned and announced in the future.