Hackney launches 'Dignity Code' for older people

Published by Jon Land for Hackney Council in Communities and also in Health, Local Government

The Dignity Code, written by the Older People’s Reference Group following wide consultation, is a set of standards designed to promote dignity in healthcare.

A review of dignity in care by the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission recommended that the code be incorporated into service contracts, which the Council approved last night (30 January).

It is thought to be the first time such a code has been adopted as a standard feature for social services contracts, and is set to be used to inform a common approach to staff training for the Council and partners such as Homerton University Hospital, City and Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust, and East London NHS Foundation Trust.

The code states that dignity in care can be promoted in a number of ways, including:

• Not emphasising impairments and disabilities in front of others;
• Demonstrating respect and using formal spoken terms of address, unless invited to do otherwise;
• Responding courteously to specific requests and listening carefully to individuals’ concerns and views;
• Ensuring people feel able to complain without fear of retribution, that advocacy services are available and that a complaint is responded to thoroughly;
• Respecting the individual’s habits, values, particular cultural background and any needs, linguistic or otherwise, for support to communicate their views and concerns.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, chair of the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, said: "I'm delighted that the Council and our health partners have accepted these recommendations.

"Incorporating the Dignity Code means Hackney is leading the way nationally in the way we deliver services to older people.

"The Commission will be monitoring implementation of the code to ensure it really makes a difference to older people's quality of life."

The Commission also recommended that a Dignity Champion be appointed, and Councillor Sharon Patrick, currently Cabinet Adviser for Public Health, might fulfil this role, in reporting back to the Commission on an annual basis on the progress within the borough of the Dignity Code.

Scrutiny Commissions are made up of Councillors who work across party political lines and investigate issues of local concern.

The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission considers health service matters and makes reports and recommendations to healthcare providers.

For more information on getting involved in Scrutiny, contact scrutiny@hackney.gov.uk.