NOBLE’S Hospital is helping to spread the dignity message to the island’s sixth form students.
When one of the island’s high schools invited Jayne Kerruish and Cathie Quine, two senior nurses from the hospital, to help them deliver a dignity workshop, it was seen as a great opportunity to celebrate the dignified care that is delivered at Noble’s Hospital and to spread the dignity message to the wider community.
As part of the A-level health and social care module, sixth form students are required to explore the concept of dignity.
The working definition of dignity that underpins the beliefs in Noble’s Hospital was one that could be shared with the sixth form students. Part of that definition is: ‘Dignity is concerned with how people feel, think and behave in relation to the worth or value of themselves and others. To treat someone with dignity is to treat them as being of worth, in a way that is respectful of them as valued individuals.’
Workshops have now been delivered to three of the Isle of Man’s sixth form high schools. Through interactive group work and discussions, the students are stimulated to think about the meaning of dignity and to discuss their own views on the subject.
Bev Critchlow, director of nursing, midwifery and therapies, said: ‘It is really important that our nurses are able to reach all parts of the community and I know that this has been of great value to the schools and students.
‘Both Cathie and Jayne have really enjoyed sharing the dignity message with such enthusiastic students. Wherever we can, we will link up in the community and work alongside others to promote these best practice values.’
Minister for Health David Anderson MHK said: ‘The department firmly believes in highlighting the fundamentals such as dignity. It is of paramount importance that patients feel that they are treated with privacy, dignity and respect. Our nursing staff take great pride in spreading this message across the island.’