The first ever award which recognises people who treat patients with dignity and respect and who provide outstanding care is launched today (10 November) 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."
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.
