Last Wednesday staff at Parkes Hospital gathered together to sign a special Patient Pledge and share a barbecue. The pledge is aimed to sooth patients’ fears and empower them with the knowledge of what to expect from care provided at the hospital.
Parkes Health Service General Manager, Liz Mitchell, said staff have been invited to sign the pledge to show their commitment to providing care to patients in a respectful, caring and timely way. “Our patients need to be at the very heart of everything that we do and every decision that we make,” she said; “the pledge sets expectations of our staff behaviour and demonstrates our commitment to patient centred care.”
Beth Masling, Manager of Living Well Together and Corporate Leadership, who was also present at the signing said; “For us it’s exciting to showcase care we’re proud to provide and demonstrate our vow of care to the public.” The signing is part of a broader strategy for the Health District called ‘living well together’. Western NSW LHD Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan, said that the living well together strategy aims to engage staff to achieve excellent patient care and improve the patient experience.
“The pledge will confirm to patients that their caregiver is committed to taking wonderful care of them which helps
reduce their anxiety. Their family is also comforted to know that their loved ones are in good hands” he said, “From our staff perspective, signing the pledge sets the standard of care that is expected of themalways.
It demonstrates the difference that making a commitment like this makes in the work that they do every day.” Patients will have access to the pledge at their bedside and are encouraged to speak to the person in charge of the unit if they are concerned about their care.