A National Care Service must put dignity at the heart of everything it does
A National Dignity Council Press Release.
The National Dignity Council welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to create a National Care Service and the recognition that the way we care for people must change.
For too long, social care has been discussed primarily in terms of funding, structures, workforce pressures and the sustainability of services. These are vitally important - but at the heart of care are people.
People who need care and support have the same human rights, hopes, choices and aspirations as everyone else. They have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, compassion and kindness - whether they receive support in their own home, in a care home, in supported living or elsewhere.
Jan Burns MBE, Chief Executive of the National Dignity Council, said:
“Today’s commitment to a National Care Service is an important moment for everyone who receives care and support, their families and the millions of people who work within care.
"But creating a National Care Service must be about much more than creating a new system. It must create a new culture.
"We have an opportunity to put dignity at the very heart of the future of care — not as an aspiration or a slogan, but as something that is experienced by every person, every day, in every interaction.
"Dignity is about how we see people, how we listen to them, how we respect their choices and individuality, and how we make sure that their voice remains at the centre of decisions about their lives.
"A truly national care service should be one where people can expect the same fundamental commitment to dignity and respect wherever they live and whatever support they need.
"We welcome the commitment and look forward to being part of the conversation about what this new service should look and feel like for the people who use it, their families and the workforce who make care happen every day.”
The Government has identified dignity, person-centred care, prevention, independence and better integration between health and social care among the principles underpinning its plans for a National Care Service. (GOV.UK)
For the National Dignity Council, the challenge is to ensure that dignity is not lost within the detail of reform.
The Council believes the development of a National Care Service provides an opportunity to establish a clear national expectation that:
- every person receiving care and support is treated as an individual;
- people are listened to and involved in decisions about their lives;
- independence, choice and control are protected wherever possible;
- families and unpaid carers are valued and heard;
- care is delivered with kindness, compassion and respect;
- people’s human rights are understood and upheld;
- the workforce is valued, supported, trained and empowered to provide dignified care; and
- poor practice, disrespect and closed cultures are challenged rather than accepted.
The National Dignity Council has spent more than two decades promoting dignity in care and supporting organisations, professionals and individuals to make dignity part of everyday practice.
Jan Burns MBE added:
“We have a chance now to build something that future generations can look back on with pride.
“Because ultimately, good care is not simply about what we do for people. It is about how we make people feel while we are doing it.”
Media contact: National Dignity Council
Email: info@dignityincare.org.uk