Purpose and definitions
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for staff and assurance to patients that Shifa Surgery is committed to continually providing high quality
healthcare for all patients and supporting the staff who provide this care. The aim of the policy is to provide information for staff and patients about our approach to dignity and respect.
All patients regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, culture, cognitive function, or sexual orientation have the right to have their privacy and dignity respected.
• Privacy is defined as the freedom from unauthorised intrusion.
• Dignity is defined as the state of being respected as an individual.
• Respect is defined as regard for the feelings and rights of others.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees of Shifa Surgery, contractors, seconded staff, placements, and agency staff.
Roles, rights, and responsibilities
All staff have a responsibility to understand the concepts of privacy and dignity and to use this understanding to deliver an appropriately aligned service.
You have a responsibility to treat every patient with respect and as an individual.
You have a responsibility to maintain your training and understanding in line with national and/or local standards.
You have a responsibility to understand your organisation’s privacy and dignity policy and align to the standards contained within the policy.
You have a responsibility to understand how to report any issue relating to a person acting in a way that is contrary to the concepts of privacy and dignity within your organisation.
Practice manager
To update the policy, ensure that it is aligned with national guidelines, distribute appropriately and ensure that staff are trained at induction and at regular intervals so that they are aware of the principles of dignity and respect and the content of the practice policy.
The practice has a responsibility to provide an environment to allow clinicians to consult with patients and for them to be examined in a setting that considers and respects their confidentiality, privacy, and dignity.
Principles of this policy
This policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy including the Human Rights Act 1998, the Dignity Challenge and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulation 10.
The principles we adhere to include:
1. A zero tolerance of all forms of abuse and discrimination.
2. Treating each person as an individual by offering a personalised service.
3. Enabling people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice, and control.
4. Listening and supporting people to express their needs and wants.
5. Respecting people’s right to privacy.
6. Ensuring people feel able to complain without fear of retribution.
7. Engaging with family members and carers as care partners.
8. Assisting people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem.
9. Acting to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation.
Additionally, we will also guarantee to:
• Value the uniqueness of every individual.
• Uphold the responsibility to shape care and support services around each individual.
• Value communicating with individuals in ways that are meaningful to them.
• Recognise and respect how an individual’s dignity may be affected when supported with their personal care.
• Recognise that an individual’s surroundings and environments are important to their sense of dignity.
• Value workplace cultures that actively promote the dignity of everybody.
• Recognise the need to challenge care that may reduce the dignity of the individual.
Distribution
Employees will be made aware of this policy via TeamNet.
Patients will be made aware of this policy on the practice website.
Equality and Diversity
If, at any time, this policy is considered to be discriminatory in any way, the Practice Manager should be contacted immediately to discuss these concerns.
Monitoring and reporting
Monitoring and reporting in relation to this policy are the responsibility of the practice manager. The following sources will be used to provide evidence of any issues raised:
• PALS.
• Complaints.
• Significant and learning events.
Any incidents relating to dignity and respect will be monitored via incident reporting.
Summary of NHS legal and mandatory documentation
Equality Act 2010 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
Human Rights Act 1998 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents
Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulation 10
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2014/9780111117613/contents