The Heart of Care: Celebrating dignity at Spire Parkway Hospital

At Spire Parkway Hospital, we recognise the profound impact dignity has on healing, comfort, and trust within a hospital environment. Our recent Dignity Day in February was a powerful reminder of this core value, an occasion for our hospital community to reflect on and celebrate the essence of dignified care.

Dignity transcends the clinical aspects of healthcare, touching the very human side of medical treatment. It's about recognising the individuality and value of every person, and respecting their needs, wishes, and privacy. Our commitment to dignity is not just a principle but a practice embedded in every interaction, whether with patients, visitors, consultants or colleagues.

On Dignity Day, we engaged our hospital community in a meaningful way by inviting them to contribute to our "Dignity Tree." Each leaf added to the tree bore personal reflections on what dignity means to our colleagues and those we serve. The messages highlighted themes of respect, understanding, compassion and the universal desire to be heard and treated as an individual, especially in vulnerable times.

Reflections from our Dignity Tree:

• "You never know what is going on in a person’s life, so treat everyone with kindness"
• "Treat people the way I’d like to be treated"
• "Respecting a person’s wishes and decency"
• "Listening to the person and always doing your best for them"
• "Feeling like a person, even when going through a process ie surgery"

These comments reveal a deep understanding within our community about the importance of dignity. They underscore the need for empathy, respect, and personalised care in every aspect of our work.

A recurring theme from Dignity Day was the significance of being listened to. Feeling heard is a fundamental human need, particularly in healthcare settings where vulnerabilities are heightened. Our Dignity Team - Diana, Nilpa, Annette, Michelle, and Heather - emphasises the importance of active listening and responsive care to ensure that every individual feels valued and respected.

The insights from Dignity Day serve as a crucial reminder of our ongoing commitment to uphold the dignity of everyone who walks through our doors. We are inspired by the feedback and are dedicated to continually enhancing our practices to ensure that dignity remains at the forefront of all we do.

Dignity in care is an essential component of the compassionate service we aim to provide at Spire Parkway Hospital. It shapes our approach to healthcare, fostering an environment where everyone is treated with the utmost respect and kindness.

Together, we pledge to maintain an unwavering focus on dignity, ensuring that Spire Parkway Hospital remains a place where every patient, visitor, and colleague feels genuinely heard, respected and valued.

For more information about Dignity Action Day, visit www.dignityincare.org.uk/