Patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) enjoyed a special tea party to mark Dignity Action Day.

Linda Sturmey, Ward Housekeeper, organised the party on Ward 514, one of the hospital’s elderly care and stroke wards. Patients enjoyed sing-a-long songs, eating delicious homemade cakes, drinking tea and even dancing to some old Dean Martin classics!

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, consultants and nurses all supported the event, with ward housekeeping assistants Dawn and Emma helping Linda make the day a success.

Organised by the National Dignity Council, Dignity Action Day is a nationwide event which raises awareness of the importance of providing individualised care and giving patients choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.

Linda, who has 32 years’ experience in auxiliary and housekeeping roles, said: “It’s lovely to seeing patients chatting, dancing and singing – just getting out of the hospital environment for an hour and into the ward dayroom makes such a difference.”

Louise McRobie, Senior Sister, added: “Linda’s done a fantastic job organising such a great event. It gives our patients a real sense of community and the vintage tea cups and classic songs create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. It’s lovely to see our patients and staff smiling and having fun together.”

As well as the tea party on the ward, the hospital’s Dignity in Care team organised a stand in the main atrium of the hospital. The stand included information about the dignity in care project at QEHB and how the team helps older and vulnerable patients at the hospital.