Handwashing after meals is hygenic and restores the dignity of vulnerable patients

KB is a Dignity Champion, one of over 35000 people who have signed up to Dignity in Care - a campaign, initiated by the Department of Health, that aims to put dignity and respect at the heart of hospital and care services.

Following a stroke, her mother was treated on a ward where patients were being treaed for a variety of long term conditions. At the end of a meal, everyone was offered wet and dry wipes to clean and freshen them.

This simple gesture is not only hygenic, it also respected their dignity.

KB is also keen for all patients to have access to headphones so that they can enjoy the ward television or radio without disturbing others. Although there may be reasons why this can't happen, many hospitals have overcome these problems and, in doing so, have brought great pleasure to many patients who might otherwise be depressed by long hours of doing nothing.