Spot checks into Old Age Pensioner hospital care

Posted 18/05/2014

The BBC has reported that spot checks are being carried out in hospitals across Wales in light of the ‘Trusted to Care’ report prompted by the death of an elderly patient who was treated at the Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot Hospitals.

The report found a number of failings in care including patients being told to soil themselves and an ignorance of dementia needs. The report also described “a sense of hopelessness” in the care of the frail and elderly patients and cited “poor professional behaviour” as well as a “lack of suitably qualified, educated and motivated staff”. The report also concluded that medicines had been recorded as given when they were not, and staff tolerated dangerous practice.

The Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, who ordered the report to be carried out in October 2013, was reported to be “shocked” by the report and apologised to patients and families affected.  Mr Drakeford has announced an immediate second review to look at the care of the elderly at all major hospitals across Wales.  

Carole Watts, a medical injury solicitor at Ashtons Legal, commented that: “All too often we read reports in the media of failings in the care of the elderly. However, elderly patients deserve to be properly cared for, particularly as many are frail and vulnerable and may feel unable to speak out for themselves. It is important that we care for the elderly in our society and I hope that the findings of this report will lead to improvements in elderly care not only in Wales but across the UK.”