Badges???

I have only just registered a as a champion but I do think that there needs to be some sort of identification through badges to raise awareness

Thanks for replying irene i felt a bit daft putting that! But its nice to know someone else is out there who feels same.

I think it would be a great idea to have a badge or something similar to
recognise Dignity Champions.

I think badges would be a super idea, nice bright ones that people notice and ask what it is for!

Yeeah i love the idea of something bright and colourful!
The question is who do we contact regarding this???? x

hi everyone today i was elected to be a dignity champion by my manager. i agree we need to wear a badge at work to inform everyone who we are. if anyone wants to contact me feel free x

Hello Julia
Congratulations hope you enjoy your new role and make a real difference
 Irene

Congratulations!!!!!!

So where do we get the badges anyone got any ideas ???

HI,

I am one of the founder members of A Dignified Revolution, based in Wales.

Congratulations to those of you who have been elected as Champions.

We are only a small group in Wales, originally 3 nurses who wrote about their experiences of observing poor nursing of a loved one in hospital. We all tried to change what was happening and some of us are still going through the complaints process.
There is a link to our website on the DOH website, but do have a look at what is in our webpages. www.dignifiedrevolution.org.uk
Have a look at the constant flow of articles about poor nursing in hospital - the latest from the wife of Michael Howard (Sandra Paul/Howard) and her experience of observing her mother's care. (Daily Mail Feb 2009).
What about that older person with dementia who was admitted to a ward and her bed put in a toilet and cleaning room.

I recently presented a master class - supported by Help the Aged, the Open University and the new Welsh Nursing Academy - on Nursing and Older People: Challenging the Status Quo.

I would be happy to visit you and offer this presentation to a group.

A pdf copy will be on our website soon.

Enough is enough, nurses must recognise that there is really bad practice out there and challenge it always. Don't accept the status quo anymore. The more that stand up and be counted the more support will happen.

Nurses have been let down by their own profession in terms of real and effective leadership in regulation, education, professional groups and at nurse executive level.
Read the Statutory Nursing and Midwifery Committee Report on the care of older people in hospital (SNMAC 1998) Written 10 years ago - not implemented and things have got worse since then.

I attach our latest newsletter and this report.

Do contact us - let us know that you will support us.

Regards,

Lorraine Morgan
Founder member - A Dignified Revolution.

Irene i have emailed them and apparently they are looking into it but due to funding they do not know if it will happen.
i am quite willing to pay a small amount for a badge though.

Michael Parkinson - He's the figurehead so would not, I'm sure, object
to sourcing funding that promotes the campaign and the badges should, by
rights, include his picture to attract public interest in the cause.

Laurence Dowden
Service Manager, Major Projects
Oxfordshire Social & Community Services

Hello everyone!

I don't want to be raining on anyone's parade but why exactly do you want badges? Surely, being a dignity champion isn't about running around with a nice colourful badge (with Parkie's face on it?!) and feeling extra special about ourselves and the wonderful work we're doing but about really changing the way we and our colleagues work!!! I'm not a nurse and don't work in an applied social or healthcare setting but as an advocate for people receiving social care and am slightly shocked that there are discussions about badges going on here rather than about ways to mainstream Dignity in Care.
I mean, why exactly have you become 'champions' and what does that mean to you? (other than wearing a badge to compete with those nurses wearing poppies or daisies or whatever other symbol someone came up with to identify someone as supposedly doing something of supposed value?!)
Being quite critical about this whole initiative anyway I'm starting to think that it's the same old tokenistic crap the government and health/social care providers have always used to get away with not improving anything at all while getting people to feel a little bit better about things. Why you'd want to be part of that I do not know...

V.

PS: Don't get me wrong - I appreciate everybody's genuine effort to contribute to positive changes where they work. It just scares me that people might become hung up on trivial details like badges rather than really thinking about how they can make a difference.

Well said!I agree, I didn't think this campaign was about us, rather about service users!
Badges seems to trivalise the whole issue.
RegardsSue Lowe> From: [log in to view email address]> To: [log in to view email address]> Subject: Re: Badges???> Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:35:39 +0000> > Hello everyone!> > I don't want to be raining on anyone's parade but why exactly do you want badges? Surely, being a dignity champion isn't about running around with a nice colourful badge (with Parkie's face on it?!) and feeling extra special about ourselves and the wonderful work we're doing but about really changing the way we and our colleagues work!!! I'm not a nurse and don't work in an applied social or healthcare setting but as an advocate for people receiving social care and am slightly shocked that there are discussions about badges going on here rather than about ways to mainstream Dignity in Care. > I mean, why exactly have you become 'champions' and what does that mean to you? (other than wearing a badge to compete with those nurses wearing poppies or daisies or whatever other symbol someone came up with to identify someone as supposedly doing something of supposed value?!) > Being quite critical about this whole initiative anyway I'm starting to think that it's the same old tokenistic crap the government and health/social care providers have always used to get away with not improving anything at all while getting people to feel a little bit better about things. Why you'd want to be part of that I do not know...> > V.> > > PS: Don't get me wrong - I appreciate everybody's genuine effort to contribute to positive changes where they work. It just scares me that people might become hung up on trivial details like badges rather than really thinking about how they can make a difference. > > > >
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It is NOT about the wearer, it IS about the campaign.

I'm not quite sure why there is such a negative and irritated response
to this and I'm really rather disappointed with terms like 'tokenistic
crap'. It is not about making ourselves look or feel better as
individuals, it is about promoting the cause. Promoting the cause is
important and people should recognise that. Not that many years ago
smoking was acceptable, even cool, it took years of orchestrated
promotion to get the message across and change social perceptions to the
truth. The truth in this case is that older people are not treated with
dignity in care or health settings, or in their own home or in society
generally for that matter. Those with dementia carry stigma in addition,
yet dementia is a condition that should be regarded as no more abnormal
(as opposed to desirable) than cancer or diabetes.

The problem is not just one of public perception of older people, it is
also one of resourcing the services properly, training care and health
staff creatively, raising the profile of the whole care industry and,
for that matter, of Health too. Be honest, it's not that great at the
moment is it? What is said below is fine and I couldn't agree more with
looking for ways to 'mainstream dignity in care', but raising the
profile and public perception is part of that - it's a principle that is
good enough for the dementia strategy so it is good enough for this
initiative too. There is nothing wrong with advertising, it is only the
product that is (frequently) bad or simply not needed. This one is
definitely needed and long overdue.

Maybe the 'badges' conversation is getting a little silly but it is just
one of many options - there should be posters' info sessions, seminars,
think tanks, media coverage and repeated coverage (because left to their
own devices, the press will only keep a story fresh for one day or so),
there should be positive stories of change when it happens and as
many(as evident and visible as possible) champions at all levels i.e.
practitioners as well as (yuk!) celebrities. Don't underestimated the
power of someone like Parkinson as the public face, sadly that is
powerful stuff - So let's use these people.

So can we please stop falling out before we've even started as none of
us want to work in that sort of environment and it is a sure fire way to
make sure 'champions' start dropping off in numbers.

Laurence

Follow Lorraine Morgan's link to see the power of getting the message
across
www.dignifiedrevolution.org.uk

Hi Laurence

I'm not sure why my post seemed so negative and irritating to you, especially since you and I seem to be of the same opinion (mostly anyway), but let me assure you that it was not meant in the spirit of 'falling out' with anyone. Having seen quite a few government initiatives come and go without having any apparent long-term benefit or contributing to real change, I tend not to get blown away by these things anymore and I apologise for the cynicism. However, me being here in itself and taking part in discussions should demonstrate that I am still hopeful and that I welcome any attempt at making services better for us all.

And I do agree that promotion is important and that it's important to get the word out in different ways, etc. but as you said yourself to just concentrate on badges seems 'a little silly'. Maybe we could instead talk about bigger things we could do to raise awareness? Say, about how to raise awareness within the organisation we are working it, how to deal with resistance to change, how to include the wider community and stake holders, etc.? From where I'm standing there's got to be more value in sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences regarding these kinds of questions than getting stuck on the badges issue. And from what you were saying I think you'd agree...

So let's not fall out but rather get onto the more worthwhile topics! ;)

V.

Is it not about making more people aware of Dignity Champions - if all it
takes is for someone to look at a badge and ask what its about then i can't
see the problem with that. People are not even aware there is a Dignity in
Care website, I am for promoting Dignity in Care and I think it is one way
of getting people to ask what it means, and what we are trying to achieve.
Positive thinking!

Agreed, but lets in the meantime not alienate people who come up with
initiative that reflect their enthusiasm, If someone wants to wear a
badge that says 'look at me and what I'm doing' they can take a running
jump. if they want to wear a badge that says 'look at what I'm involved
in, you really should ask me to tell you about it' then good for them.

I know what you mean about seeing initiatives come and go - frustrating
isn't it? But some do work and change the way things are done, look at
the difference today in public attitude towards people with learning
difficulties compared to 20 years ago. I was fortunate enough to work in
Wales in the 90's under the All-Wales Strategy for people with learning
difficulties. That campaign gave the means and inspiration to support
the people themselves to manipulate the media, lobby the politicians and
address public perceptions....and it worked. It all started with very
small-scale initiatives, changes in attitude and questioning practice in
the workplace.

All the best
Laurence/Oxfordshire

I agree with Laurence. It is better to talk about the things that he mentions that could help raise awareness instead of flashing badges.
 Dr. Taleb Durgahee
Palm Court Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care
PREFERRED PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA CARE FOR EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Provides Nurse Education and Overseas Nurse Programme
In Collaboration With Brighton University

17-19 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2ND
Tel: 01323 721911
Fax: 01323 410244

www.palmcourtnursinghome.co.uk

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Hello Everyone
I just want to clear a few points here as i am quite shocked by the tone and comments that are being made regarding badges I agree with Lauren actually yes the profile of dignity in care and champions does need to be raised . Why Not? I would want to wear a badge to raise awareness and promote discussion not to draw attention to myself but to the campaign as I am sure Lauren does , and for all those who doubt this I will explain . I am a former carer for my father diagnosed with demntia my father recieved appalling care with very little dignity My farther was abused in residential care with medication became physically ill and eventually weighed little more than 5 stone vomitting blood had a macmillan nurse passed feaces in his urine and I was called into case conferences and told I had three days to get my father out of hospital because he was in a critical care bed !!!! I would like to say that my fathers case was unique but sadly I cannot because I fight weekly for older people to be treated with dignity and respect so yes I do want some way of promoting dignity in care because it appears to me the more things change the more things stay the same , and this is an opportunity to make a real difference for all older people

Hi Irene

Thanks for this. It takes someone like a carer to bring us all back to
what is important. I think everyone wants to see the same outcomes and
is prepared to get pretty passionate about this particular subject.
There may be differing views on how best to achieve the aims, but people
want to achieve it. As per a couple of comments today, the fact that
people are prepared to do what they can despite any cynicism they may
have is in itself a strong testament to the strength of feeling about
the subject - and everyone involved should be very comforted by that.

Meanwhile, it terms of what has already been achieved and what is
planned I, assume you are aware of the link to the splendid Dignified
Revolution website, which was circulated earlier today by Lorraine
Morgan:
www.dignifiedrevolution.org.uk.

All the best
Laurence Dowden

I have this evening enjoyed reading the healthy debate regarding badges and whilst I do not wish to share a view either way - as I can see all view points and so would not be adding value to any side of the argument - I do have a suggestion for those of you who would like to wear badges.

Why dont you make some?

You can buy self laminating pockets and design something on your computer that is appropriate to the message you would like to convey (with or without Sir Parkies face on) and then you have achieved your objective without the need for permission from anyone else - except perhaps your employers if this is deemed necessary?

I am passionate about dignity in care, so much so that I wrote a book that was published last year - a consumer guide to choosing care services and it is selling at a steady pace and is in most libraries across the UK and from which I am hoping people buying care services will draw some consumer strength (something that is also lacking as people buying care are often in a position of 'need' and think that this limits their right question).

I believe that if we can encourage the people who need care to become more demanding, then the providers of services will have to respond to those demands. Anyway sorry to digress as this isnt meant to be about me........but the point I wanted to make is that - as part of my research into how providers of care services address the issues of dignity - I came across a brochure that mentioned treating people with dignity and respect. I became very irritated by the statement and said in my book that 'treating people with dignity and respect should be something that is automatic and not just a selling point in a brochure'..........

So my message is that everyone who is committed to this cause must find their own way of promoting it - and I am proud to be associated with such a passionate group of people.

WELL DONE to us all - and lets keep up the good work (-:

Hello Laurence ,
Thank you for replying  I agree it is a very passionate subject and I am sure all dignity champions will want to acheive the same objectives and outcomes, in raising the standard of health and social care for all older people . I was not aware of the dignified revolution website until today , which should in itself inspire everyone to promote this campaign and initiative  after reading some of the case studies  on the site which are very real experiences told through patients and their carers narratives .

I think there needs to be a whole cultural change into how older people are negatively  stereotyped and percieved.  However, both health and social care proffessionals are under a great deal of pressure to meet targets and performance indicators which sadly  at times  results in poor care and practice, despite the wealth of policies guidelines and legislative frameworks in place to promote good practice . 

I think this is a real opportunity to make a difference to the way in which health and social care services are delivered and will gather momentum . I additionally think that any positive suggestion no matter how small  to promote and raise awareness should be embraced . To all the dignity champions who have any doubts as to whether we can make a difference? I say this we should be inspired by  President Obama words and presidential campaign  "Yes We Can " , because what is the alternative ?

Sadly my father died four days  after the confrence  but on a positive note  this inspired me to go onto university  because I did not want other older  people and their families to endure the experiences we had , and I truly want to make a difference to older people and their carers lives. As  in the words of Neil Thompson  if you are not part of the solution you become part of the problem . I agree with Clare  yes older people do need to be more assertive but some vulnerable  older people diagnosed with dementia lack capacity , and we have to consider and recognise the power differentials between proffessionals older people and their carers, you only have to look at the minefield of community care legislation, and whilst in an ideal world dignity  and respect should be automatic sadly its not , which has been clearly highlighted by a wealth of organisations, in promoting older peoples social and political rights .
Best Wishes
Irene

I just wanted to state (as I have in a previous topic) I am a second year student nurse, and part of the reason I would like to have a badge to state the cause I VERY strongly believe in is because (and forgive me if this sounds petty), I find if and when you do comment on people's practices within a healthcare environment they tend to think you're just another student nurse on a warpath about the latest trend. Well for me dignity is not a trend, it is a fundamental part of nursing if not THE fundamental part of nursing.
It is nice to see everyones point of view, but if for example you aren't in my shoes do you think you could put yourself in them?
Every 15 weeks I am moved to another area of the hospital/trust I am training in, and with that comes a whole new set of fellow colleagues- its very hard to fit in let alone comment on something that many people find a personal attack when you critique something they are doing, that you view as incorrect. I am a confident person and I do stand up for what I believe in, but something so simple as a badge could make Hospital staff, patient's and relatives aware of my reasons for commenting/trying to make a change.

P.S no disrespect to Michael Parkinson, but I dont think I could get away with having his face emblazened on a badge attatched to my uniform! :D

Hello Everyone
 I have never known such a debate to develop over a badge !!!! I agree with lauren in health and social care  working enviroments if you question the staus quo , you do get negative responses .But to be homest I would walk around with  Michael Parkinson on my head never mind on a badge !!!!
If it changed the way some older people are treated and improved practice    I think it is brilliant that he is as passionate about this as all of us and  willing to  stand up and be counted by putting  his name to such a good cause .
best wishes to everyone  keep up the good work
irene

as a dignity champion u should have a notice board at ur workplace with ur photo on it so why do u need a badge

I dont have a notice board as I am a student nurse- i became a champion off my own back & with being a student nurse i move around every FIFTEEN weeks!

Hello Everyone ,
I will probably get shot down in flames for this but here goes . I am not 100% sure of the structure or culture within a health care setting not coming from a health care back ground . Could this help ? Could there not be a lead nurse on each ward who is a dignity in care champion which could be clearly advertised with a photograph on the ward so they are recognisable to visitors staff and patients alike ? In addition the lead nurse would need to wear some sort of identification which they can make themselves if they so wish or provided by their employer through adapting a name badge ? The lead champion nurse could then identify good and poor practice and signpost patients carers to internal services such as PALS . I think a major problem with dementia patients based on my own personal experience is that nursing staff were not dementia trained and had little knowledge of the different forms of dementia , which for me was very frustrating . I do not think this has changed a great deal as a number of older people with dementia fall through the net , especially older people who may be socially isolated having no real informal network , an example of this is when older people diagnosed with dementia are discharged from hospital and given appointments for the memory clinic and then low and behold fail to turn up for appointments . Well before you all shoot me down this is only a suggestion anyone else got any other iseas ? Irene

I can see laurens point of view I personally think that the opportunity should be given to all all student nurses wishing to be champions and the fact that when a student nurse becomes a champion this is clearly stated and discussed with the ward manager before the training placement . Irene

Have you had any problem as a student being a dignity champion? Are staff a bit nervous?
 Dr. Taleb Durgahee
Palm Court Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care
PREFERRED PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA CARE FOR EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Provides Nurse Education and Overseas Nurse Programme
In Collaboration With Brighton University

17-19 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2ND
Tel: 01323 721911
Fax: 01323 410244

www.palmcourtnursinghome.co.uk

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Irene, I apprecaite your frustration with carers not understanding various stages of dementia. Largely, I think social workers and nursing home managers are responsible for this because they place residents with mild dementia in a genral nursing setting. There is a feeling that anybody can nurse a dementia sufferer. This is not so. Social workers do immense disservice and damage to dementia sufferers and nursing home managers do so too by admitting them to their homes and then want to transfer them to a specialist home after two or three months.

We have to persuade social workers to change their practices and nursing home managers of general nursing  to refrain from admitting dementia sufferers. 
 Dr. Taleb Durgahee
Palm Court Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care
PREFERRED PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA CARE FOR EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Provides Nurse Education and Overseas Nurse Programme
In Collaboration With Brighton University

17-19 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2ND
Tel: 01323 721911
Fax: 01323 410244

www.palmcourtnursinghome.co.uk

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Dear Dr Durgahee ,
I think the whole system needs re designing . I do not agree with your statement that social workers  and care home managers are soley to blame for this , as there should be a muti agency and disciplinary approach as all the proffessionals involved in dementia care should be responsible for health/social care and safe discharges .  I might add in case you think I am being biased  that I am not employed in either the health or  social care sector . The Single Assessment Process was designed to prevent repeat information and to ensure that older people did not fall through the net I am aware that this is not happening which raises the issue of standards . If a section  2 is not raised  then the  social work departments who are not telepathic  are not aware  of patients on the ward in need of assessment and appropriate care packages , and this can lead to  older people  being un safely   discharged from hospital with commodes how
undignified is that ? If  following an OT assessment there is  still no section 2  raised  then we have to assume that (a) the person has no ongoing care needs or (b)  there is   an underlying assumption that family members will provide care with no consultation , sadly (b) is the  reality of what is happening . The SAP should be implemented from day one of admission and a multi diciplinary assessment undertaken before discharge  which should include a psycho geriatician  to promote the safe discharge of patients diagnosed with dementia which should  ensure that older people  in need of residential care are appropriately placed and banded .
If a nursing home manager is not registered to take dementia patients then to me this is an unsafe discharge and CSCI should be informed because it is neither fair on the older person with dementia other residents and care staff who are not trained to deal with dementia patients . 
In addition to this I also think that a number of care home providers employ the minimum staff levels as outlined in the care standards and the salary of the staff does not reflect the skills involved in caring which impacts on standards . I think for the first time ever in the UK we have more older people than younger people the cost and care of an incresasing ageing population have to be considered , however I do not believe that dignity should be compromised in delivering care .

I also think there is a world of difference between caring for and caring about this is abundantly clear if you critically analyse the ethics of care with the ethics of welfare . Older people diagnosed with dementia experience multiple oppresions and discriminations,I am not aware of any change in legislation but please correct me if I there has been but residential care homes do not come under the remit of the Human Rights Act to me this speaks volumes .

Irene, care homes do not come under human rights but it is heavily regulated. People in homes have rights and they are respected. You are only stereotyping by saying 'that speaks volume'. We must change the image of homes and impressions like yours.
 Dr. Taleb Durgahee
Palm Court Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care
PREFERRED PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA CARE FOR EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Provides Nurse Education and Overseas Nurse Programme
In Collaboration With Brighton University

17-19 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2ND
Tel: 01323 721911
Fax: 01323 410244

www.palmcourtnursinghome.co.uk

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Irene,

I can see what you are saying. At the end of the day, two key personnel end up caring for the client with relatives....these two people are the social worker and home manager ultimately taking responsibility. As a dignity champion, I would hold these two responsible for placing and accepting a dementia suferer in a generalist home. The damage they cause is incredible and unforgivable because this is about someone's life being shortened.

So, with the personalisation agenda coming, we should put the relatives more at the centre of decison making with the right advice.
 Dr. Taleb Durgahee
Palm Court Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care
PREFERRED PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA CARE FOR EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Provides Nurse Education and Overseas Nurse Programme
In Collaboration With Brighton University

17-19 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2ND
Tel: 01323 721911
Fax: 01323 410244

www.palmcourtnursinghome.co.uk

This message is intended for the use of the addressee only and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you have received it in error please notify the sender and destroy it. You may not use it or copy it to anyone else.

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Dear Dr Durgahee
Maybe I should of explained my self a bit more when I said that speaks volumes . I was not referring to the care in care homes I was refering to the way in which older people are percieved and regarded in this country there needs to be a whole cultural shift . To me regulation does not equate to the underlying principles of the Human Rights Acts, I dont hold any particular group responsible I regard this as a collective responsibility to all vulnerable groups and individuals.

agreed Irene. What can we do about it? Any suggestion?
 Dr. Taleb Durgahee
Palm Court Centre of Excellence in Dementia Care
PREFERRED PROVIDER OF DEMENTIA CARE FOR EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Provides Nurse Education and Overseas Nurse Programme
In Collaboration With Brighton University

17-19 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2ND
Tel: 01323 721911
Fax: 01323 410244

www.palmcourtnursinghome.co.uk

This message is intended for the use of the addressee only and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you have received it in error please notify the sender and destroy it. You may not use it or copy it to anyone else.

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yes I have got a number of ideas to promote dignity now and in the future . Firstly I think it should start in the education system through the curriculum and older people should be actively encouraged to participate in the education of younger people through the citizenship , science and history modules. I think there is the whole perception that older people are an homogenous dependent group when they clearly are not and have a wealth of experience to draw from which can be used as learning resources. We currently have a very real skill shortage in this country older people could be encouraged to mentor younger people , and employed to pass down traditional skills and values this would not only break down the barriers between generations but break down the negative sterotypical images of older people . Citizenship is about rights and responsibilities and older people can play a very proactive role in this as you know secondary socialisation plays an important role impacting on the belief and value systems of younger people who are the future workforce , Therefore I think that there should be more creative ways of delivering care I think large care homes are not the answer as this sadly promotes dependence learned helplessness, instititional care and social exclusion, I therefore would suggest that adequate care packages are put in place within the persons own home with more extensive use of technology, for older people where this is not an option I think that houses with no more than 4 residents should be an option based in their own communities .I do have some reservations regarding the personalisation agenda and a significant one is that personal assistants will not be CRB checked.I really think that this needs to be addressed

I also think as for the Human Rights Acts we have to look at equality and citizenship issues . Equality derives from Article 119 of the Treaty of Rome from which a wealth of policies have developed if we are to promote the goal of social solidarity throughout the UK and europe then we have to question why care homes do not come under the Human Rights Acts in the UK regardless of regulation ? Has anyone else any views on this or knows the reason why this is ?

Well done Irene,
The SNMAC report I sent around last week recommends this.
One nurse (or a couple) for a hospital is pretty ineffectual.

Ask yourselves what nurse consultants for older people have actually
done to signifiantly change the culture of a hospital when it comes to
respecting the patient and compassionate care.
They are usually on their own and battling all the time.
They need help and a real champion in every ward might be that help.

Kindest Regards,

Lorraine

Lorraine Morgan
Tiwtor Staff/Staff Tutor,

Cyfadran Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol/Faculty of Health and Social Care
Y Brifysgol Agored yng Nghymru/The Open University in Wales
18 Stryd y Tolldy/18 Custom House Street
Caerdydd/ Cardiff CF10 1AP
Tel: 029 20 262760
web: http://www.open.ac.uk/wales
Mobile 07 827 895 862

hi i am the lead dignity champion for our comapany Mimosa Healthcare and we have introduced our own badges for our staff who are champions we believe that it is important for champions to be recognised in some way staff really like havoing a badge and it gives the champion a sence of focus and helps to poromote the campaign, hopefully in time we will not need them but for now we believe they are a great idea

sharon

Hi Sharon

I don't have a problem with badges or indeed any sort of promotional
material (stickers, posters, pens, uniforms, etc.) per se and believe that
they can be very useful to drive campaigns, make campaigners feel more
empowered (I hate this word!) and so on. What I am objecting to is the
very narrow focus on badges to promote dignity in care and the extent of
conversation about it. Why can't we move on to discussing the issues that
really matter? A badge alone is not going to fundamentally restructure a
workplace, shape practice and eradicate a whole culture of undignified
treatment (whether that's due to time constraints and excessive work loads
or staff attitudes). So why make such a fuss about them rather than
looking at what we could do to address the issues on a deeper level?

I guess I just find it a bit pointless...

Good luck with your campaign though!

Valeska

And so say all of us!