Over 120 caring staff at Good Hope Hospital signed up to be dignity champions on national Dignity Action Day on Monday 1 February.

Nurses, doctors, housekeepers, therapists and reception staff have all pledged to follow the 10 dignity ‘do’s’, including treating everyone as an individual, enabling patients to maintain their independence, confidence and self-esteem and respecting their privacy.

Dignity Action Day is an annual event led by the National Dignity Council, a nationwide network of over 60,000 individuals and organisations who work to put dignity and respect at the heart of UK care services to enable a positive experience of care. Dignity Action Day gives everyone the opportunity to contribute to upholding people’s rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people receiving care.

Each dignity champion at Good Hope Hospital received a pin badge and certificate. There was a special surprise for Ward 15, who won a hamper of goodies for recruiting the most dignity champions – including therapists, pharmacists, doctors, advanced clinical practitioners and student nurses.

The Dignity Action Day and champions initiative was led by Donna Woodings, matron for older adults and Gail Moore, matron for trauma and orthopaedics. They also organised a ‘digni-tea’ party on the elderly ward on the day where patients enjoyed tea, cake and conversation.

Donna Woodings said: “Our staff treat our patients with respect, kindness, compassion and dignity every day. I am very impressed with the enthusiasm of those who put themselves forward as dignity champions.  The response was overwhelming and this can only be a good thing for our patients and their experience in hospital.”

For more information about Dignity Action Day, please visit the Dignity in Care website.