Older people ‘failed’ by NHS services

The NHS is failing to treat older people with dignity and respect, a new report claims.

Findings from health service ombudsman Ann Abraham suggest that in many cases, basic standards of care for older people are not being met, with patients experiencing insufficient pain control, poor communication with patients and relatives and failure to ensure adequate nutrition.

The ombudsman said her investigation had uncovered "an attitude – both personal and institutional – which fails to recognise the humanity and individuality of the people concerned".

In one case, an elderly woman had been admitted to hospital after a fall and subsequently suffered further accidents in hospital, breaking her collar bone.

The patient was moved to a care home and arrived soaked with urine, dressed in clothing that did not belong to her and that was held up with large paper clips.

Michelle Mitchell, director of the charity Age UK, described the report's findings as "sickening" and a "damning indictment of our health service".