A Dignity in Care charter for Flintshire which promotes the zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of older adults will be launched on 21 April at the Holiday Inn A55.
This campaign aims to stimulate a national debate around dignity in care. It is led by the WAG Government in partnership with many organisations that provide and commission care and protect the interests of those using care services and their carers.
Flintshire County Council staff, councillors and service users involved in providing health and social care services for older people will be at the launch. The key speaker will be Professor Mike Nolan from Sheffield University. The event is being organised by Flintshire County Council, Age Concern North East Wales and Flintshire in Partnership.
This national campaign aims at changing the culture of care services and places a greater emphasis on improving the quality of care and the experience of citizens using services including NHS hospitals, community services, care homes and home support services.
It includes action to:
- Raise awareness of dignity in care;
- Inspire local people to take action;
- Share good practice and give impetus to positive innovation;
- Transform services by supporting people and organisations in providing dignified services.
In support of this campaign, people across the country, from all walks of life, are signing up as Dignity Champions.
Before the campaign was 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. The challenge depicts what high quality services that respect people’s dignity should include:
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
Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Social Services, Councillor Carol Ellis, said: “This is an important Charter which I am pleased that the Council and its partner agencies are taking on board to demonstrate our commitment in serving vulnerable adults in the county.”
