People from Staffordshire are being invited to nominate a carer, work colleague, friend or family member for a special award.
Cllr Paul Northcott and Mike Phillips with students Charlotte Newby and Lauren Grant
Many of our professional health and care students start out as carers for family members and we know they provide a vital service and are often going above and beyond for the people they look after.
Now in their tenth year, the Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards are being sponsored by Staffordshire University and will recognise the best of the county’s care sector.
Anyone working in adult care, paid or unpaid, along with care providers, can be nominated in one of the nine different award categories. New for this year is the Dignity in Care Mental Health Champion, which will recognise the impact Mental Health practitioners have in the county. A second new award, chosen by Staffordshire University, will celebrate Commitment to Learning in the care sector.
Executive Dean Mike Phillips said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring these awards and to celebrate the contribution made by this tireless and critical part of the workforce.
“Dignity in care and patient safety are at the heart of what we do at Staffordshire University to develop our nurses, social workers, midwives, paramedics and other health and social care providers of the future. Many of our professional health and care students start out as carers for family members and we know they provide a vital service and are often going above and beyond for the people they look after.”
Paul Northcott, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council, said: “The care sector is a really important part of society and our local economy and it’s great to be celebrating our tenth awards.
“Over the last ten years, we’ve seen over 1,000 people nominated for an award, over 100 crowned as dignity champions and many more highly commended.
Jan Burns MBE, Chair of the National Dignity Council who are supporting the awards said: “I would urge people to nominate their chosen carer or care provider which will help to promote a positive image of health/care services and elevate the standards of compassionate dignified care.”
Nominating someone for an award is quick and easy and can be done online at Nomination 2024. People who need help completing a nomination can speak to the team at dignity@staffordshire.gov.uk or by calling 01785 355 795. The deadline for nominations is 28 April 2024.