Bradford and Leeds hospital patients give their views on dignity

Company news

Feb 05, 2013

Patients at Eccleshill NHS Treatment Centre in Bradford spent national Dignity Action Day telling teams what they think about the service and listening to how Care UK, which runs the centre on behalf of the NHS, plans to promote dignity and choice even further in the future.

On Friday 1st February, patients at the centre were asked what they felt was important to them, what dignity meant and how the team could help to improve the service they receive. And, because everyone feels better when they feel appreciated, free refreshments and hand massages were available on the day and every patient was presented with a bunch of flowers.

Sharon Cordingley, the centre’s GP liaison manager, said: “It was a very positive day, with patients and team members sharing their views on dignity. Many patients provided feedback of what dignity means to them and we will be using this to help shape our services in the future.

“We were also delighted to see that so much of the feedback was actually praising what we do and asking us to keep up the good work. Comments on the feedback cards included ‘Very friendly, caring and reassuring staff’ and ‘I was put at ease; staff spoke to me, not at me.’

“Dignity in care is vital to what we do. If people do not feel relaxed, comfortable and confident when they visit a treatment centre, they may not visit when they really need to or tell us what is really on their mind.

“When you’re not feeling your best, you want to know that people care and will help you maintain your dignity. Our team always goes the extra mile to do that and later in the year we will be completing a dignity training course to further improve our service.”

This month, patients and colleagues at the centre have the opportunity to vote for the member of the team who best represents the ideals of dignity in care. The winner will be announced at the end of the month and will receive a certificate and prize.

Eccleshill NHS Treatment Centre offers patients day case surgery in orthopaedics, endoscopy, gastroenterology, urology, gynaecology, minor plastic surgery and general surgery, as well as diagnostic services including MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray. For more information, visit the centre’s website or call 01274 623000.