New award gives public the chance to thank carers
Published 20 January 2009
The People’s Award for Dignity in Care has been created to officially thank our health and social care staff and highlight the remarkable work they do.
Anyone employed in care-giving is eligible, from nurses and social workers, to hospital porters and nursing home employees, providing they have gone the extra mile to ensure dignity and respect in any area of health and social care. You can nominate at http://www.dignityincare.org.uk/ or by calling 0870 000 1100.
Sir Michael Parkinson, the Ambassador for Dignity in Care says:
'Most of us will at some point be in contact with care services - be that in our work, or as a service user, a carer, a relative or friend. The People's Award for Dignity in Care is a great way for us to recognise the dedication of health and care staff treating people with the dignity and respect they deserve.'
The nominations close on Friday 6 March and ten regional finalists will be selected to go through to the final in July where the winner and runners up will meet Sir Michael Parkinson and Phil Hope, Minster for Care Services.
The awards are part of a wider Dignity in Care campaign which also encourages caregivers to become Dignity Champions. Since its launch, over 4,000 people have accepted the call. Dignity Champions are committed to taking action, however small, to create a care system that has compassion and respect for those using its services.
Phil Hope, Minster for Care Services says:
'People want and have a right to expect services with dignity and respect at their heart, so I am delighted that we can, through the Dignity in Care Awards, celebrate those people dedicated to raising standards of care all across the country.
Any member of the public can nominate a member of staff or team for the Dignity in Care Awards, which will recognise and reward high standards of care. Ultimately, higher standards will enable people to live their own lives as they wish, confident that services are of high quality, are safe and promote their own individual needs for independence, well-being and dignity.
The nominations are now open for the public to put forward health and social care workers for the award. Members of staff will also be able to nominate their colleagues, if their nomination is supported by a member of the public.
Find out more by visiting Dignity in Care website
