On Monday, I joined Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust and signed up to the National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC) Dignity Code, reaffirming my support for the trust’s ongoing commitment to providing elderly people with the care they deserve.
I was joined by Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles, as well as special guests from the NPC and Sutton Seniors’ Forum, at the event organised by Barry Todman, Chairman of the London Region National Pensioners’ Convention.
Daniel said: “I was really pleased to be invited to sign the Dignity Code, which draws together some of the most important principles of caring for elderly people with the dignity they deserve. I am proud to say that our hospitals are already leading the way when it comes to providing outstanding care for our older patients, and formally endorsing the Dignity Code is further evidence of our commitment to continue providing them with the best possible care.”
The signing was particularly significant as it happened on Dignity in Action Day. It also gave me and the other guests the opportunity to have a tour of the C2 Ward at St Helier, which has a special focus on caring for patients living with dementia.
Daniel explained: “C2 is a newly adapted ward, which has been specifically designed to include features known to help people with dementia feel less disorientated or confused, providing an environment which will allow the delivery of personalised care based on the specific needs of patients with dementia.
“My thanks to Carole Webster, Deputy Chief Nurse, Debi Miller, Older Persons’ Assessment and Liaison Lead Nurse, and the team on C2 for giving us a tour of the ward and telling us about some of the fantastic work they are doing.”
I also want to thank Daniel, the Sutton Seniors Forum (SSF), the NPC and all the staff at St Helier Hospital for inviting me and allowing me to be a part of this very important event. Elderly care, particularly care for patients with Dementia, is something I think is particularly important we get right with an ageing population, and I am pleased to do my bit to support our local NHS Trust in improving this area of healthcare in Sutton.
The NPC is the largest pensioner organisation in the country and has members in all the London Boroughs. For more information about the NPC, please visit www.npcuk.org.
For more information about Epsom and St Helier hospitals, visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter or find them on Facebook.