|
||||||||||||
A DIGNIFIED REVOLUTION Alone we can do so little; together we achieve so much! NEWS UPDATE: MARCH 2009 Welcome to the March news update. As ever, we have much information and news to report and we welcome your comments, suggestions and enquiries. If you have any information that you would like to share with others please let us know and we will be happy to circulate it in the next newsletter Join the mailing list If you are reading a copy of this email forwarded to you by a colleague we may not have your contact details. If you would like to guarantee a regular monthly copy of the mailing send your details to info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk If you would like to access previous copies of our news updates click here A Dignified Revolution, Britannia House, FORTHCOMING EVENTS Monday 22 June, RNIB Cymru, Tuesday, 23 June, 2009, Talardy Hotel, St Asaph The workshop is focused on fine tuning communication and listening skills to enrich relationships between patients/clients, relatives and carers and colleagues. If you would like further information about these events please email info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk (Please note that the May date publicised in the last newsletter is fully booked) You can help us to challenge behaviour that diminishes dignity We have been asked to develop a training course to help people to challenge care that is provided without respect and does not meet the needs of patients. In order to inform the content, we want to hold a forum to gain input from people who have wanted to challenge inappropriate behaviour, but did not feel able to do so. Examples, could range from feeling unable to give simple feedback to complex scenarios that involve poor group culture and perhaps bullying. You will have the opportunity to work through positive ways in which you can challenge inappropriate behaviour. We understand that people might feel concerned about taking part because of the sensitive nature of the issue that is being discussed – we will, therefore, ensure that confidentiality is maintained. It is being held in Freedom to Nurse We have been made of Freedom to Nurse, a support group for nurses who blow the whistle on inappropriate care. We would like to make contact with this group, so if anyone is able to help please let us know info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk Large print A4 version of A Dignified Revolution leaflet We now have a large print A4 version of our leaflet available in both English and Welsh language. Copies can be downloaded from the document section of our website Delayed discharge of a woman with a learning disability We have posted a case study onto the document section of the website which was compiled by the managers and two Trustees of Cartrefi Cymru Lobbying assembly members and MPs A number of people have suggested that it might be useful to write to Assembly Members and MPs regarding the concerns that people have about the care of older people in hospital. We have therefore drafted a template letter that people can use. It is available in the documents section of our website. If you are unsure who your assembly Member of MP is you can find out on this website SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC A member of the public has made a suggestion to help improve privacy on the hospital ward. It was suggested that the consultant/doctor could see patient If you have any ideas that you think might help improve care email info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk GOOD NEWS CORNER Gold award for dignity in care Alyson Williams, Resource Centre Manager in "I am manager of a home for the elderly frail with a dedicated EMI unit. In October last year I won a gold award for dignity in care, sponsored by Welsh Assembly Government . I am constantly attempting to change the way we deliver care to achieve the highest standard of dignity. The home always receives praise from the CSIW . All this is achieved through training within the home" Former patient shares experience “The staff at Patient The Patient's Choice Award is being launched in April 2009 and will enable members of the public to nominate a nurse, health visitor, midwife or healthcare assistant who they feel has made a real difference in either their healthcare, or that of a loved one CAUSE FOR CONCERN Facebook dialogue An issue that has been brought to our attention recently is how individuals are using face book to vent their feelings and make derogatory comments about vulnerable patients. We have come across the face book page of a volunteer from a mental health charity in We have also received a clip of the narrative written by a carer in a nursing home who thought that her facebook dialogue was private ACTIVITIES Over the last month we have been involved in a number of activities, details of which are below Media awareness m We directed a public relations company, who were working on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), to people willing to share their experiences of good and poor care m Founder member, m An article was published in Take a Break magazine. It has generated considerable correspondence from members of the public and nurses. Some of the response are available on our website blog m On 6 February 2009 GP, Dr Peter Saul wrote about dignity and A Dignified Revolution (ADR) in the Wrexham Evening Leader The power of the public voice We have been in regular contact with an individual in Staffordshire regarding the poor standards of care at Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust, and this week the Healthcare Commission has published a report of its investigation. It criticises the Trust for significant failings in emergency healthcare, leadership and management. The investigation was triggered by a local individual who was experiencing poor care when her mother was admitted to hospital. As a result of writing a letter to a local paper to find out if others had similar concerns, a campaign, entitled Cure the NHS was launched and the Healthcare Commission was approached to carry out an investigation. If anyone is currently experiencing poor standards of hospital care in the Mid Staffordshire area email curethenhs@hotmail.co.uk If members of the public in other areas of the country share similar concerns about NHS services then it might be useful to find out whether your concerns are shared by others by writing a letter to your local newspaper We have been contacted by Pat Cooksley, a retired nurse who, in 1994 was accused of prescribing drugs for a terminally ill patient and dismissed. Protest rallies by patients and their families in support of Pat followed and she was eventually reinstated. She reports that she would like “the Trusts to invite retired nurses back as consultants to show them where they are going wrong and to tell them that the patient is the most important person in the N.H.S, not the Chief Executive and management team" – a sentiment shared by many others who contact us Both of the above examples demonstrate the power of the public voice and emphasise the need for policy makers and NHS trusts to listen to, and meaningfully involve the public in NHS service development and delivery, if they are to achieve the standards of care that are expected. As one of our correspondents said: “It is only while on the outside (as a patient) looking in that I really appreciated just how much standards have declined and it makes me furious and frustrated by the apparent lack of insight that many nurses have to the plight of patients entering the minefield that is ongoing patient care in the NHS” Meeting at We attended a meeting at Improving the continuing healthcare process for patients, relatives and carers We participated in a workshop designed to help improve the continuing healthcare process for patients, relatives and carers in 10 year homelessness plan We attended a meeting in Rhondda Cynon Taff which was held to discuss the Welsh Assembly Governments 10 Year Homelessness Plan Speaking Up For Our Age Conference Two founder members attended the recent Help The Aged conference in Llandrindod Wells. A short report is available on the website Maelor Over 50s Forum We have been contacted by the Maelor over 50s Forum. They are keen to circulate our Gandhi quote when doing a trolley round on various hospital wards. We are very grateful for their support in helping to raise awareness Care home fees A Cwmbran solicitor, and supporter of ADR has sent us an article about care home fees. It is designed to help explain to the general public how an individuals finances are assessed if they require residential accommodation. It also explains the overlap between the duty of the Local Authority to provide care home accommodation and the duty of the NHS The article can be found in the documents section of our website Human rights in pre-registration nurse curriculum One of our founder members has been in touch with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to find out whether human rights is taught as part of nurse training. She also enquired to find out whether the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) are addressing the issue The RCN reported that they are currently developing a human rights module for the RCN learning zone and an individual who sits on an NMC curriculum group will be raising the issue at a forthcoming meeting We have also been in touch with the Commission for Human Rights in Dignity workshop On 2 March we ran another workshop focused on enhancing communication within the care environment. At the workshop the delegates developed an action plan for improving dignity in care. Suggestions included: m independent advocates for patients and relatives m volunteer hosts to meet and greet new patients, relatives and carers to the wards m train dedicated link nurses m implement a mystery visitor scheme - see, listen and hear what is going on to improve services m embed dignity throughout the organisation - part of everyone m include dignity in induction programmes The evaluation from the event is available in the documents section of the website Prime Minister Gordon Brown has launched the first full scale review of nursing care for nearly 40 years. It will cover all branches of the profession, including health visitors, mental health and paediatric nurses. A founder member contacted the office of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in
“In September, I will be starting a paediatric nursing course at university and hope not to become like the nurses described in your article. By also looking at your website, I have become even more aware of the importance of being a caring and considerate person to then go on and become a nurse. Personality should be taken into consideration when applying for courses in any aspect of nursing. I wish you all the luck in the world on your cause for better nursing care, one day we will hopefully see it” “The Take a Break article really made a difference, as she (my mum) now knows it’s not just the hospital she is in, but the poor standards she has had to put up with is happening all over the United Kingdom” “Thanks for the article, we knew we weren’t alone, but did not realise the extent of the situation” "Your bulletins are always inspiring" "Please send me your newsletter by email. Thank goodness for your work" “Very informative newsletter as usual. Well done keep up the good work” “Many thanks for your inspirational website” "May I congratulate you on your initiative - excellent work that is long overdue, and I hope it is a great success” PUBLICATION Come Back Miss Nightingale This publication gives an interesting insight into how nursing has changed over time. Janet Warren and Myles Harris, authors of the chapter entitled NEWS Are you concerned about wrongdoing where you work? Blowing the whistle The Royal College of Nursing has a guidance document for nurses on blowing the whistle. The Nursing and Midwifery Council Professional Advice Champions of equal rights Diversity Champions are volunteers who ensure that staff and patients are treated equally, stepping in to change practice and procedures. The Royal College of Nursing launched its diversity champion programme in 2007 with the aim of recruiting 1,000 volunteers. They are responsible for ensuring that both patients and staff are treated with dignity and respect, by addressing behaviour, procedures or policies Admiral Nurses Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses, working in the community, with families, carers and supporters of people with dementia Providing preceptorship for newly qualified nurses Drawing on a recent review, this Policy + presents evidence from the Breaking down barriers, driving up standards The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new report which looks at how the ward sister and charge nurse roles are working across different types of hospital trusts in Digital stories about health and social care experiences A free resource of up to 200 stories created by people who deliver or receive healthcare. These stories are widely used in medical and healthcare schools around the world to encourage health and social care practitioners to reflect on their practice, and how they can develop a more humane and compassionate approach Safe in the knowledge: how do NHS boards ensure safe care for their patients? This report aims to help the boards of all types of NHS trust to identify and develop the key behaviours and measures that they should review on a regular basis and to determine whether they are truly commissioning and delivering the safest possible care Older people Everyone has agreed on what should happen to ensure that older people in hospital receive nutrition. But, the reality is that older people Cleanliness at Hospital managers are looking for older people willing to offer advice and help to improve standards of cleanliness. The volunteers will join a special team of staff who are gathering information on cleaning standards in the nine hospitals run by the A new Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) publication sets out four potential interim measures that could make the care system much fairer now, ahead of the government’s green paper on its long-term plans to reform the care funding system due out later this year New tool launched for assessing the health and social care needs of older people in The first of its kind in the Better partnership between care homes and the NHS This research paper looks at findings from the Promoting nutrition in care homes The Scottish Care Commission has published it report on promoting nutrition in care homes A life in pain - new study examines the experiences of older people According to a recent UK study, pain is NOT a normal part of ageing - and much more can and must be done to improve help and support. The study from The University of Nottingham examined older people Local Healthcare Commissioning; Grassroots Involvement This report entitled local healthcare commissioning: grassroots involvement? reveals that many patients feel local healthcare commissioning (LHC), the process intended to ensure health and care services effectively meet the needs of the local population by engaging with patient representatives, is not working effectively Improving the patient experience: sharing success in mental health and learning disabilities This report outlines the achievements of the Listening, responding, improving: a guide to better customer care From 1 April 2009 there will be a single approach to dealing with complaints. This guide has been developed to help complaints professionals work with colleagues to make their organisations better at listening, responding and learning from people Sorry is the hardest word A report on second-stage complaints about the NHS in This is a report about the Healthcare Commission How is the dignity campaign progressing and the work of In The National Council for Palliative Care The National Council for Palliative Care is the national umbrella organisation, promoting good palliative and end of life care for all who need it. If you, or someone you know has personal experience of a life limiting condition and you want to share it to help shape care, log on to our share your story facility. You can learn more and access our good practice guides at www.ncpc.org.uk/publications and find information about our national and local events on www.ncpc.org.uk/events Information about how service users shape our work is shown at www.ncpc.org.uk/users EVENTS RCN Nursing Older People conference Wednesday, 1 April 2009 For more information email pat.anslow@rcn.org.uk World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - 15 June 2009 World Elder Abuse Day is now appoaching its 4th year and Action on Elder Abuse want to make it an important date in everyone’s diary. For more information email worldelderabuseday@elderabuse.org.uk or call 0208 765 7000. Action on Elder Abuse has launched a series of exciting challenge events, including skydiving, trekking and running. If you Perceptive Professionals Embedding Dignity and Respect in a Care Environment Monday 22 June, RNIB Cymru, Tuesday, 23 June, 2009, Talardy Hotel, St Asaph The workshop is focused on fine tuning communication and listening skills to enrich relationships between patients/clients, relatives and carers and colleagues. If you would like further information about these events please email info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk THE FUNDING OF A DIGNIFIED REVOLUTION The common experience of how close relatives, whilst in hospital, had not been treated with respect and, as a result, lost their dignity led a group of individuals to establish A Dignified Revolution in January 2008. A Dignified Revolution aims to ensure that older people are cared for with dignity and respect in hospital. We do this by raising awareness of dignity and respect issues to health professionals and to the general public If you would like to help, we would like your time most of all. However, some cash would also be useful. £15 covers the cost of a person attending an awareness day; £30 covers the cost of printing and posting 100 leaflets; £100 covers the cost of one trip between North and Donations will help us to continue our work – so please give generously if you think our cause is worthwhile. Not a penny will be spent on administration or overheads – we don’t have any! Cheques should be made payable to A Dignified Revolution. We want to remain focussed on our goal of helping older people retain their dignity whilst in hospital. In order to avoid being diverted onto other issues and priorities, we do not seek statutory sector funding (although unsolicited grants will be accepted). So your support is important and will help to make a difference. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people for giving their time and expertise to help develop resources to support A Dignified Revolution: Lance Webster – for the design of our logo An individual (who would like to remain anonymous) for her production of our leaflet The Welsh Language Board – for the translation of our leaflet An individual (who wishes to remain anonymous) for her production of the bilingual leaflet Howard Hunt Group, An individual who has collated and analysed our information Ridler Webster for printing copies of our leaflet Claire Davis, Solicitor, Cwmbran CONTACT DETAILS A Dignified Revolution Britannia House, Tel: 07811 159800 Fax: 01446 774864 Email: info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk Website: www.dignifiedrevolution.org.uk |
||||||||||||
Text size:    |
||||||||||||
| Administrators' Login | ||||||||||||
