DoH announces expansion of ‘Dignity Champions’ initiative

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced an extension of the Dignity Champion programme from those working with older people to also include those with mental health difficulties.

As part of a campaign to increase awareness of the importance of dignity in treating elderly patients, 1,000 individuals have now been recognised as Dignity Champions for their extra effort in affording respect to older patients.

Examples of initiatives used to boost dignity for patients have included the installation of music systems in wards at the West Hertfordshire NHS Trust in order to mask private conversations to preserve the dignity of patients.

Ivan Lewis, care services minister, said: “Our campaign to put dignity and respect at the heart of care services for older people is beginning to make a real difference at a local level.

“A record 1,000 people including volunteers, carers and professionals have now signed up to champion the rights of older people in hospitals and nursing homes.”

He added that an extension of this scheme to cover the treatment of mental health conditions will aim to reduce the stigma faced by these patients and guarantee they are treated with respect and dignity when receiving social or health care.

In June 2007, children’s charity NCH warned that a tenth of all children now have a mental health disorder at a clinically significant level.