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People's Award for Dignity in Care 2009

  • Last modified date:
    9 January 2009

Nominations are now open for the brand new People’s Award for Dignity in Care. The award has been created as a way of saying thank you to exceptional health and social care staff.

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 by calling 0870 000 1100 or visiting the Dignity in Care website:

'The awards recognise the dedication of health and care staff treating people with the dignity they deserve' - Sir Michael Parkinson

The nominations close on 6 March 2009 and then 10 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.

Sir Michael Parkinson, the Ambassador for Dignity in Care said: ‘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.’

‘People want and have a right to expect services with dignity and respect at their heart' - Phil Hope MP

The nominations are open now 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.

The awards are part of a wider Dignity in Care campaign which also encourages care givers to become Dignity Champions. Since its launch, over 4000 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 said: ‘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.’

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