Dignity/Faiths Forum

We marked Dignity Action Day this year by running a Dignity and Faiths Forum.As well as Dignity Link Nurses representing all areas in the Trust, other staff groups and members of the public were invited.The aim of the day was to raise awareness of dignity in care, but also to celebrate the fantastic work done by the Link Nurses in 2011,to improve dignity for the patients in their care.We also looked at the remaining barriers and shared ideas to overcome them, making plans for the coming year.The morning's agenda included speakers presentations on Dignity in Dementia, Releasing Time to Care and Protected Mealtimes.

Facilitated by the Practice Development, Chaplaincy and Equality teams, we ran a Faiths Forum in the afternoon.11 local faiths leaders were invited to form a "panel" of experts on spiritual needs of patients.The audience were able to ask questions about the various religious and cultural issues which may cause disrespect,confusion or misunderstanding in hospital, impacting on the care they give.Feedback comments included " this was moving, funny, enlightening", " bring back The Panel !! "

Definitely a day to remember and we will be planning similar ideas to build on the success of the day.