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 29 August 2008 20:04 BST

Tour aims to raise profile of dignity in NHS

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 17:16
Sir Michael Parkinson has become the national dignity ambassador

Health In Focus 

Care services minister Ivan Lewis is to tour England in an attempt to raise the profile of the government's Dignity in Care campaign.

Mr Lewis will visit every region in England to spread examples of best practice and to give advice to other health and social care workers.

He will also seek to encourage people to sign up as 'dignity champions', with plans to double the 1,800 who have signed up so far.

The dignity campaign has been given support from Sir Michael Parkinson, who has agreed to become the national dignity ambassador.

Mr Lewis said he is "absolutely delighted" the veteran television presenter is helping with the dignity campaign, describing him as "a man of credibility who has empathy with people".

"Like many others I have experienced the care system in the past as the son of elderly parents," said Sir Michael.

"Dignity is about being treated as an individual with respect and compassion. I intend to use my role to make a real difference and ensure the issue of dignity moves to the heart of all NHS and care services."

Mr Lewis also announced today that the government will propose that the new NHS constitution should explicitly recognise that a world-class NHS must give a new priority to dignity and respect for patients alongside high quality medical care.

The government will also open discussions with local authorities on the provisions of joint residential care for elderly couples, with a view to making it clear that, other than in exceptional circumstances, couples requiring care should not be separated and the needs of both people are properly taken into account.

"I want NHS and social care services to apply a simple test - if it wouldn't be good enough for my mum and dad why should it be good enough for someone else's?" Mr Lewis said.

"In the same way as investing in the younger generation will determine the success of our country, our treatment of older people will determine its character."
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