Dignity Day signing cements Code for elderly care

Epsom and St Helier hospitals have signed up to the National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC) Dignity Code, reaffirming the trust’s ongoing commitment to providing elderly people with the care they deserve.

To mark the occasion, Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles was joined by the Rt Hon Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, and Paul Scully, MP for Sutton and Cheam, as well as special guests from the NPC and Sutton Seniors’ Forum. Mr Scully and Mr Brake also signed the Dignity Code.

Daniel said: “I was really pleased to be invited to sign the Dignity Code, which draws together some of the most important principles of caring for elderly people with the dignity they deserve. I am proud to say that our hospitals are already leading the way when it comes to providing outstanding care for our older patients, and formally endorsing the Dignity Code is further evidence of our commitment to continue providing them with the best possible care.”

It was particularly fitting that the signing, organised by Barry Todman, Chairman of the London Region National Pensioners’ Convention, took place on Dignity Action Day. The occasion also provided an opportunity for the guests to be given a tour of Ward C2 at St Helier, which has a special focus on caring for patients living with dementia. Daniel explained: “C2 is a newly adapted ward, which has been specifically designed to include features known to help people with dementia feel less disorientated or confused, providing an environment which will allow the delivery of personalised care based on the specific needs of patients with dementia.

“My thanks to Carole Webster, Deputy Chief Nurse, Debi Miller, Older Persons’ Assessment and Liaison Lead Nurse, and the team on C2 for giving us a tour of the ward and telling us about some of the fantastic work they are doing.”

Barry was accompanied by Mary Steensma, fellow member of Sutton Seniors’ Forum (SSF) and Older People’s Involvement Group (OPIG), and Jill Gascoine-Becker, Chair of both SSF and OPIG. Barry said: “The Code was initially endorsed by the then Care Minister Paul Burstow, and we continue to seek endorsement from councils, hospitals, GPs, care and nursing homes. The Dignity Code is simply the base from which we should develop best practice in caring for and treating elderly people with dignity, and ensuring that staff are adequately trained and supported.

“I would like to say thank you to all involved in the signing at St Helier and, of course, the staff on Ward C2 for showing us around.”

The NPC is the largest pensioner organisation in the country and has members in all the London Boroughs. For more information about the NPC, please visit www.npcuk.org.