Social Care News

Welsh NHS must 'get it right for all older people' - Older People's Commissioner

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, yesterday released her report detailing the experience of older people in hospital in Wales saying she has seen evidence of improvements in care but more still needs to be done.

• Her report, Dignified Care: Two Years On is the second report following her review into whether older people are treated with dignity and respect while in hospital.
• Ms Rochira said: "“My second progress report shows that there are improvements taking place in respect of the 12 areas I identified for improvement, but it is now for the NHS in Wales to make sure that safe, effective, high quality care is delivered to all, not just some."

Dementia care and continence care 'key areas for improvement'

Ms Rochira said she had been provided with evidence of a wide range of actions underway that are designed to improve patient care and are making a positive impact in many cases.

However, she said, "the NHS in Wales must now rapidly translate these actions into improved outcomes for all older patients across Wales at ward level, particularly in key areas such as dementia and continence care."

She continued: "Quite simply, I expect the NHS in Wales to get it right for all older people. At our best, our healthcare in Wales is outstanding, and we have many dedicated healthcare staff, but still, too often, we are failing to get the basics right and this has a devastating impact upon individuals and their families."

• Read the Older People's Commissioner's full progress report into dignity in care for older people in hospital in Wales - read the report and download a copy of it