How Cynthia Spencer Meets Each Part of the Dignity Challenge

Cynthia Spencer meets each part of the dignity challenge including but not limited to the below:

Have a zero tolerance to all forms of abuse:

Staff training

Key role models

Challenging inappropriate behaviour

Patients right to chaperone

Continuous reviews & monitoring

Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family:

Care is provided exactly how the individual wants not only how the staff would like to be treated

Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service:

Based on the philosophy 'You matter because you are'

Each patient is greeted at reception

Each patient asked what they wanted to be known as

Continuity of care through separate staff teams

The hospice has previously held weddings & baptisms

Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control:

A holistic approach including porters, cleaners and volunteers

Separate approach for patients with communication problems

Patients asked to provide their own clothes

Listen and support people to express their needs and wants:

On admission the patient meets with Dr's and nurse together

Family members opinions are sought

Chapel & multi-faith room available

Respect people's right to privacy:

Interview rooms available for patients to use for private conversations

The Chapel is large enough to accommodate a bed if the patient is not mobile

All patients are informed when another has died

Privacy screens available

Patients are asked who they want medical information shared with

If patients share something confidential- it stays that way.

Ensure people are able to complain without fear of retribution:

Head Matron will immediately see the patient

Patients or family can fill in a complaint card

Complaint can be given anonymously

Engage with family members and carers:

Family members are taught how to assist the patient e.g how to give injections or move the patient

Relatives room to stay overnight if they want to be near their loved one

Put up beds available if the relative wants to sleep next to the patient

Kitchen facilities available for relatives

Flexibility on visiting times

Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self esteem:

Great emphasis based on body image

Patient home visits

Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation:

Comprehensive discharge plan

Out of Hours advice service

After a death family members are invited back the next day

Bereavement pack issued

Bereavement support offered

Non religious memorial service six times a year

The Minister was then escorted on a tour of the hospice including the massage room, gym and hair salon.

Our resources

Many of our resources are free. We are happy for you to use these resources, at no cost, to support you in ensuring that dignity is delivered, however if you found them helpful, please consider making a donation to help the campaign continue and develop new resources.