Congress day 4: Sir Michael Parkinson

Source: RCN

Today was Congress day 4, and the highlight of the day was a speech by Sir Michael Parkinson on dignity. As the Government's Dignity Ambassador, Sir Michael is trying all he can to improve the nation's attitude towards older people and improving their dignity by giving presentations to and visiting organisations and groups.

Sir Michael spoke of his own mother and as he did so it was plain to see that he was trying to keep back the tears. He spoke of the dementia that she suffered from in her older years and his reasons for becoming an ambassador. Sir Michael received three standing ovations: one upon entering the auditorium, one after his speech and the final one as he was leaving the auditorium - louder perhaps even than the Prime Minister's. His speech touched on some of the most dignified older people he had met in the course of his work as an interviewer, and some clips were shown from his show.

There was true warmth in the auditorium, as people sat in awe of him as he spoke. He made references to certain people he had met and had influenced his life, saying that the person he would most like to interview regarding dignity would be Nelson Mandela; and that it was remarkable that after everything he had been through he could still be so dignified.

Undoubtedly, Sir Michael's speech will be one that people remember long after Congress, and it would seem that in his job as dignity ambassador he is succeeding.

Sir Michael had said he had been "delighted" to speak at Congress, and that he was "looking forward to being able to discuss the vital issue of patient dignity at the largest gathering of frontline nursing staff in the UK".

Sir Michael Parkinson's speech will be avilable here for viewing shortly. For more information on Sir Michael's appointment and Dignity in Care, visit the DH Care Networks website.

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