Information on Loughborough

Conferences lets dignity kitemark fly

Posted on 19/03/2010

Leicestershire Councty Council Adult Social Care Service

19 March 2010

Conferences lets dignity kitemark fly

A new benchmark for health and social care across the city and county is being launched today.

The 'Respect for Dignity' kitemark will be given to care providers who can prove that they are delivering an excellent service.

The standard is part of the government's Dignity in Care campaign designed to raise awareness of dignity in social care, protect the interests of those using care services and improve the experience of citizens.

The kitemark is being launched today (19th March) at an event co-hosted by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and the Department of Health at the Walkers Stadium.

The day-long conference is being attended by those working in the health and social care sector and focuses on both the national Dignity in Care campaign and local examples of good practice.

David Sprason, County Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, said: "Together with our partners at the City Council and the Department of Health, we are determined to ensure that the Dignity in Care Campaign message is heard at every level.

"Everyone is working together to champion people’s rights to be treated as individuals, with respect and dignity and their right to choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives. The introduction of the new kitemark is another way to ensure people receive the best possible service.”

Cllr Rory Palmer, Leicester City Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: "As we introduce more personalisation of care it is vital that people can go to service providers with confidence. The 'Respect for Dignity' kitemark will make it much easier for people to make informed decisions about the quality of care services available to them."

The kitemark is a self assessment tool and will be given to care providers who can prove that they are delivering an excellent service.

The government's Dignity in Care campaign involves challenging commissioners, providers and local communities not to accept poor quality services and to take positive action to empower older people and their carers.

In Leicester and Leicestershire, a campaign has been developed to:

- Raise awareness of dignity in care and inspire local people to take action

- Spread best practise and support people and organisations to drive up standards

- Reward and recognise those who make a difference and go that extra mile

More information is available at:

- Dignity in Care Campaign : www.leics.gov.uk/dignity  

- Independent Living Aids and Gadgets (Signal) : www.leics.gov.uk/signal  

- Services for Older People : www.leics.gov.uk/older  

- Services for Carers : www.leics.gov.uk/carers  

-Department of Health: www.dhcarenetworks.org.uk/dignityincare/