NHS care providers ‘should work together to support older people’

The NHS has been told it must to more to improve the quality of life for older people.

Health secretary Alan Johnson outlined measures intended to “empower older people to live longer, healthier and more independent lives”.

Local health and social care providers must work together to build on existing services and ensure people know what they are entitled to, he said.

Speaking at the King’s Fund, Mr Johnson said the measures included more support for patients at home, an expert group focused on falls, fractures and osteoporosis and a drive to reduce waiting times for hearing tests.

“Improving services for older people should be a priority for the NHS,” he said.

He added that older people needed to be consulted on their needs and the services provided to them.

Director of policy for Help the Aged Paul Cann said the organisation was looking forward to helping the government ensure the measures made a difference.

Osteoporosis causes more than 230,000 fractures a year, according to NHS figures.