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Public directs ¼ million pounds to improve patient care
26th January 2009
NHS Sheffield has announced today that over ¼ million pounds is expected to be allocated to projects which further improve compassion, dignity, privacy and respect in patient care.
Organisations from across the city were encouraged to apply for funding and to demonstrate how their project would meet the 10 Dignity Challenges that are set out in the national Dignity Challenges Initiative.
The Dignity Challenges include: treating each person as an individual by offering a personalised service; listening and supporting people to express their needs and wants; and, acting to help alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation.
Following a two-stage assessment process NHS Sheffield’s Advisory Forum - which is made up of members of the general public who represent the diversity of the city’s population - have recommended to the NHS Sheffield Board that 12 new projects receive funding. The Board accepted the Advisory Forum’s recommendations in full at a meeting earlier this month.
Community organisations as well as statutory partners, such as Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, have been allocated funding for projects ranging from £600 to £50,000 each.
The successful projects will offer people living in Sheffield a wide-range of additional support to complement existing NHS services in the City. They range from projects which aim to combat loneliness and isolation, to others which will help build people’s confidence and raise their self esteem.
A number of projects will be volunteer-led, one of which could offer support for many thousands of people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.
Other funding will go towards providing support groups for those living with Aspergers - a form of autism, which affects how a person makes sense of the world around them.
Additional help will also be made available for service users and carers to help their understanding of what the dignity challenges mean for them and help them to get the support they require. An art exhibition which aims to tackle the stigma that exists around mental health will also be held.
Penny Brooks-Cordon, Director of Standards and Engagement, NHS Sheffield said:
“I am proud to say that the NHS here in Sheffield is leading the way on giving real power to members of the public over significant decisions, which will help us decide where we spend public money, and what we spend it on. This is the first step in what we hope will be a real change in developing innovative new ways to treat patients - and giving the public a real say in that process.
“A significant amount of work has already been done to improve NHS services in Sheffield and to raise standards of care for all. It is vital that we continue to build upon this by working in partnership with others across the City, to make sure that all patients are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.”
Advisory Forum member, Mick Ibbotson, said: “Many years ago I used to work for the NHS in Sheffield. This is the first time I know of that members of the public have been able to really influence how they spend some of their budget.
“It was interesting that members of the Forum had very similar views on which projects received funding, and good to know that the NHS Sheffield Board have agreed with our recommendations to fund those projects we suggested.
"I think it's important that the public are allowed to influence future decisions like this, as we can bring a different perspective to NHS staff. I hope they'll continue to ensure the Advisory Forum and other local people have an influence in this way.”
Rod McNamara, Chief Executive, Agewell Community Referral Project, said: “At some point in our lives many of us will have experienced feeling lonely or isolated. Those who have will know that no matter what your age, it can have a profound impact upon your health and wellbeing.
“The funding provided by NHS Sheffield will mean that more older people living in the City who are currently isolated and lonely can get involved in activities with others and meet people in similar situations to themselves.
“We are delighted to continue our work with NHS Sheffield to help improve services and ensure patients receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
For more information about the Dignity Challenges please visit www.scie.org.uk.
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