Podcasts from the Dignity Matters Conference

At the Dignity Matters conference in November Sir Michael Parkinson chatted with Barbara Pointon, Barbara Dearnley and Amanda Waring - this was filmed and is now available as a podcast. Phil Hope the minister for care services also filmed an introduction talking about his commitment to the dignity campaign. At the end of last year 3 podcasts were filmed in Leeds with the 2008 winners of the Health and Social Care award for Dignity, the topics for these are commitment from top to bottom and explains the role of the councils scrutiny committee in ensuring dignity is a priority social marketing - how innovative approaches are reaching the people of Leeds dignity audits - including audits in care homes
Look out for these on the dignity website, they are expected to be published in the next week or two.

People's Award for Dignity in Care

The People's Award for Dignity in Care is a new award designed to recognise individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support people using health or social care services and, in so doing, have improved patient dignity and service experience.
The award scheme is now open for nominations. Nominations close on 6 March 2009.

Delivering dignified care: a practice support pack for workshop facilitators

The RCN have launched resources to help nurses promote dignity. The pack is aimed at senior nurses who will deliver a dignity workshop. It has been developed with Help the Aged, contains an interactive DVD and a guide to facilitating a workshop focusing on changing attitudes and practice.
If you would like to run a dignity workshop in your organisation, you can order the practice support pack quoting your RCN membership number.
Small changes make a big difference: how you can influence to deliver dignified care. Is the RCN's influencing resource aims to help members of the nursing team develop their influencing skills and take practical steps towards maintaining and promoting dignity in the workplace.

Sir Michael Parkinson and Phil Hope launch the Dignity in Care Award

Sir Michael Parkinson the first National Dignity Ambassador and Phil Hope the Care Services Minister have launched the first ever award which recognises people who treat patients with dignity and respect and who provide outstanding care.
Nominations for the Dignity Awards open soon and close 6 March 2009. You can register interest for the awards now!
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.
Find out more about the awards or become a Dignity in Care Champion

New Dignity Champions Website

The Dignity in Care website is now one of seven to be included under the CSIP Networks umbrella as part of the Care Services Improvement Partnership.

The website includes information and advice about dignity in care as well as details of forthcoming national and local events for dignity champions, information on what action is being taken in each region and the latest news from the Dignity in Care Campaign and key stakeholder organisations.

For more information or to become a dignity champion can visit the site here .

New Dignity podcast

This 18 minute video podcast looks at the importance of leadership, at all levels in organisations, in making sure that Dignity is at the heart of care. Access the podcast here.