A report by the Old People’s Commissioner in Wales, Ruth Marks, has hit out at the "shocking" care some elderly patients with dementia receive in Welsh hospitals.
Ruth Marks said: "The treatment of too many older people in Wales is shamefully inadequate,". She went on, "What I found really shocking was the difference in experience that older people have in hospitals in Wales."
The report, Dignified Care, was released today (March 14, 2011). Among its 12 recommendations, the report calls for stronger leadership on hospital wards and better training for staff especially on caring for people with dementia.
The Commissioner has called for ‘fundamental change’ to ensure that older
people are always treated with dignity and respect when they are in
hospital – and reminded health organisations that she has legal powers
to bring about change if necessary.
While it highlights good practice in some Welsh hospitals, the report
also includes distressing testimony from patients, their families and
from an independent panel of inquiry.
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