It’s everybody’s business
At Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, dignity is at the heart of our services and it’s everybody’s business. It is every person’s human right to be treated with respect and dignity. In 2006, the Department of Health launched the Dignity in Care Campaign, aimed to stimulate a national debate around dignity in care and create a healthcare system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of patients.
It is about winning hearts and minds, changing the culture of care services and placing a greater emphasis on improving the quality of care and experience of citizens using services, including NHS hospitals, community services, care homes and home support services.
In support of this campaign, staff working in our services have been signing up as Dignity Champions. In the past year dignity champions in our community hospitals have been campaigning locally, through road shows and participating in locally organised events to:
- raise awareness of dignity in care
- inspire local people to take action
- share good practice
- transform services to provide more dignified care.
Also as part of the campaign, a top tips leaflet for staff and a leaflet for patients on what they can expect from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust were developed by the Privacy and Dignity Lead in collaboration with the Dignity Champions.
In recognition of their hard work they were nominated for a national award – The Health and Social Care People’s Award for Dignity in Care. Their nomination made it to the regional final.
Same sex accommodation
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is proud to confirm that mixed sex accommodation has been eliminated in its in-patient wards.