A Dignified Revolution

Alone we can do so little; together we achieve so much!

Older people deserve better care. A Dignified Revolution is a group of individuals, the majority of whom are nurses, who want to improve the care of older people in hospital. It was launched in January 2008. The impetus to establish the initiative was driven by:

• the distress that these individuals had experienced because of the poor care that their relatives had received whilst in hospital, and their concern that others might find themselves in the same situation
• the realisation that the lack of dignity and respect that older people tolerate when in hospital is not a recent phenomenon. The issue was first publicised in 1997. Ten years on, despite extensive media attention and numerous reports and guidance from government, little has changed

Many nurses provide outstanding care. However, the attitude and behaviour of other nurses when caring for vulnerable older people does not reflect the duty of care that they have towards their patients.

The experience of many of us involved in A Dignified Revolution is that:

• many nurses do not consider that basic nursing care is part of their role. Instead, they consider it is the role of the healthcare assistant
• the public do not appear to be aware that registered nurses are responsible for the supervision and care actions of support workers. They have a duty of care to the patient regardless of who provides the basic nursing care and this duty of care makes them accountable in law
• doctors are seen to be more supportive and caring than nurses
• many of the poor experiences being shared are being reported by health professionals who work in various parts of the NHS. The system seems to inhibit them challenging practices which are demeaning their professions

A Dignified Revolution is calling for the NHS to:

The deep-rooted and negative attitudes of professionals must change. Older people are the core users of NHS hospitals. Those aged over 65 account for around 60% of admissions and 70% of bed days in general hospitals. By 2025, the number of people over the age of 65 will have increased by 50% and the number over 80 by 80%, with corresponding increases in physical impairment, dependency or multiple long term conditions.

We would all do well to take heed of the Bombay Hospital motto that has been adapted from a quotation made by Mahatma Gandhi. It reminds us that:

A patient is the most important person in our hospital. He is not an interruption to our work; he is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our hospital; he is a part of it. We are not doing a favour by serving him; he is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so

Does your local hospital pass the Gandhi challenge?

If you would like more information about A Dignified Revolution please email: info@dignifiedrevolution.org.uk or visit their website http://dignifiedrevolution.org.uk

• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter Feb 12
  Includes: Health Minister applauds Hospice's dignity in end-of-life care, innovative new ways of working within care homes and Code of conduct for healthcare managers
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter: November 2011
  Featuring: Implementing a 'Duty of Candour', Helping Patients get help to navigate health services, Good news stories
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter Oct 2011
  This months a Dignified Revolution Newsletter includes items such as: heads of the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of General Practitioners called for relatives to help care for elderly...
• A Dignified Revolutiion Newsletter - Sept 2011
  News from A Dignified Revolution including - Protecting patients and the public, 2012 Nursing Standard Nurse Awards, Seven steps to end malnutrition in hospital
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter: Aug 2011
  The latest news from The Dignified Revolution including: Safeguarding vulnerable adults - a toolkit for general practitioners, A look back at the Stafford Hospital public inquiry and the Dilnot Commission...
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter: July 2011
  The newletter includes items such as: Reward the dedication and commitment of your community nurse, Guide to reducing the use of anti-psychotic drugs and Wards to be spot checked for dignified care of...
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter: May 2011
  A Dignified Revolution Newsletter - May - including The Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarships, Older people's fears about end of life care and New guidance to support practitioners...
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter - March 2011
  Attached is the Dignified Revolution newsletter for March 2011.
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter - February 2011
  Attached is the Dignified Revolution newsletter for February 2011.
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter: January 2011
  Attached is the Dignified revolution Newsletter for January 2011
• A Dignified Revolution - December 2010
  Please find attached the Dignified revolution Newsletter for December 2010
• A Dignified Revolution - November 2010
  Please find attached the Dignified revolution Newsletter for November 2010
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter - October 2010
  Please find attached the Dignified revolution Newsletter for October 2010
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter - September 2010
  The latest newsletter from A Dignified Revolution, including new resources,workshops and recent activities
• A Dignified Revolution Newsletter - August 2010
  Attached below is the August 2010 Newsletter for A Dignified Revolution - it is packed full of interesting and useful news for anyone interested in championing issues around Dignity in Care. It is well...
• A Dignified revolution Newsletter - July 2010
  Please find attached the Dignified revolution Newsletter for July 2010