19.01.11
Elderly care under the spotlight as nurses carry out spot checks
Senior nurses will carry out unannounced spot checks in at least 100 hospitals to investigate standards of care for the elderly.
The checks, by the Care Quality Commission, will focus on malnutrition and dignity, especially on orthopaedic wards.
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “Being treated with dignity and respect in hospital is hugely important to older patients, yet time and again we hear distressing stories of how the NHS overlooks this important aspect of care. For example, through Age UK’s ‘Hungry to be Heard’ campaign we have highlighted the issue of older people suffering malnourishment in hospital and have called for compulsory monitoring to be introduced.
“We are pleased the Government is listening to the needs of older people, who represent the largest group of patients in hospitals.
“Older people should not have to expect to suffer malnourishment or have their dignity compromised when in hospital.”
The three-month initiative, if successful, will be extended – potentially to include GP and mental health services.
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