Webinars: Opportunities to Collaborate and Share Learning Around Delivering Same-Sex Accommodation
One of the key themes coming out of the Patient Staff Conversation Events held in October was that Dignity Champions wanted more opportunities to collaborate and share learning around Delivering Same-Sex Accommodation (DSSA). In response to this, the DSSA programme team has established a series of webinars on DSSA 'hot topics'.
Webinars are a new and interactive way of collaborating, enabling Dignity Champions to share learning in an interactive forum without having to travel to meet one another.
The first webinar on Patient Experience took place on Wednesday 8th December. The session was really well received. The session covered:
- an overview of the work going on at national level around measuring patient experience, prepared by the South East Coast SHA DSSA Lead (Branita Mills)
- a presentation by Alison Flaherty, a User Involvement Worker from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, on her perspective of user involvement and how it has influenced delivery of same-sex accommodation in her organisation
- an opportunity for participants to share some of their own experiences/perspectives of patient involvement and how they have used it to shape their services.
We are keen to run more DSSA hot topics webinars and have had feedback that there is particular interest in attending sessions on governance and leadership, with a high focus on Same-Sex Accommodation.
Some points that could help you within your workplace:
- Order a copy of the DSSA DVD (available from next week) from Prolog www.orderline.dh.gov.uk / 0300 123 1002 and show as part of a team meeting to raise awareness as to what same-sex accommodation is, why it is important and to get inspiration from other Trusts who have had success in this area
- Ensure that there are maps on each ward with clear directions for patients as to where toilet and washing facilities are etc (e.g. to ensure that they are not inadvertently going through other sex sleeping areas to reach their facilities)
- Engage with your local Overview & Scrutiny Committee to raise the issues locally and challenge current practice
However, to do this we need your help! If you are interested in getting involved and sharing your experiences of these or any other DSSA topics, please email dssa@dh.gsi.gov.uk or phone Anna O'Neill on 07894 491 619.
If you would like to know more about delivering same-sex accommodation see the DSSA website, which includes top tips, tools and case studies: