NNUH celebrates National Dignity Day

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital will be recognising national Dignity Day this Friday (31st January 2014) when hospital matrons, Serco hospital porters and patient representatives will be speaking to patients, carers and visitors on what Dignity in Care means to them.

Dignity Day is a national awareness day and aims to ensure people who use care services are treated as individuals and are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.

Emma McKay, Director of Nursing at NNUH, said: “We want to use this opportunity to engage with patients, carers and families to see what is important to them. We aim for the highest standard of care and patient experience and listening to feedback is at the heart of our approach.

“It’s great that our patient representatives are joining us for Dignity Day as they help us on a daily basis to carry out unannounced inspections on our wards and clinics.”

The matrons, porters and patient representatives will be wearing Dignity Day sashes and asking patients and their families if they feel their dignity is being respected during their stay and helping the hospital to understand how it can improve.

There will also be an information stand for patients, visitors and staff from 10.00am – 2.30pm in the West Atrium, near the hospital restaurant at NNUH.

Notes to editors
The patient representatives are part of the Trust’s Quality Assurance Audit programme which involves unannounced ward and clinic inspections to check on the care provided to patients including cleanliness, assistance with meals, medication and records.

The external independent representatives are from local voluntary and community groups such as Age UK, the Older People’s Forum and patient groups.