2009 National Finalists - Dignity in Care Award

The 2009 Health and Social Care Dignity in Care Award National Finalists were:

Chris Took - Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

When he joined the hospice eight years ago, he made the unconventional move of leaving the kitchen to chat to patients and families about their meals. Chris understood how anxious families become when patients refuse to eat, and wanted to do as much possible to allay their fears. He felt it was impossible to prepare a plate of food not knowing the patient or the family who would be eating it. For more information take a look at the National Dignity Award Winners 2009.

Viewing Rooms Project - North Bristol NHS Trust

The Viewing Rooms Project aims to improve the experience of the hospital's recently bereaved service users, increasing their privacy, dignity and access by creating a warm, welcoming environment where the grieving process is less distressing.

Twenty recently bereaved families were given disposable cameras and asked to capture their experience at the hospital. The resulting images showed that thought needed to be given to the perspective of the bereaved.

A Viewing Room Steering Group was established which included patient panel members, carers, local funeral directors and next of kin who had used the viewing rooms. Over 200 people gave their ideas on redevelopment of the rooms.

The project's future was ensured by involving mortuary staff, board level sponsors and stakeholders from the outset. SANDS, a support group for parents, was also involved to ensure that the new design meets the needs of parents and siblings.

Outline proposals and designs were approved by the Trust Board in November 2008, with planning permission being granted in January 2009. The designs are currently out to tender and work should commence to refurbish both mortuary viewing rooms in March/April 2009.

Disabled Card Group, Adult Social Services

The disabled card group project is a small scheme developed by Nottinghamshire County Council to combat negative attitudes towards disabled people who don't appear to have a physical disability, using disabled facilities.

Forms of disabilities are not always recognised through physical appearances. Residents in the Nottinghamshire area have been challenged by members of the public who can't see why someone who appears to be in full health, would need to use the disabled services provided.

In response to the continuation of disabled residents feeling embarrassed when challenged about their disability, the council has developed a disability card that users can show when challenged.

Before the introduction of the cards, the council firstly introduced a trial period of six months with ten disabled people from the local community. Feedback was extremely positive and the card enabled users to feel confident when using facilities.

The project has improved the lives of over 1,000 residents by ensuring they have the confidence to show their card if challenged when using public disabled facilities. The council has introduced a simple way for users to get a card by completing a form and providing £10 cheque, meaning access to the internet is not necessary.

As a result of the positive feedback the council is looking to extend the card for disabled children and the project has been recommended by The National Audit Commission as a scheme to be adopted on a national level by all councils.