Paul Cann, Director of Policy at Help the Aged, said:
'The care of older people often falls short of the essential
standards of dignity that should be compulsory: a survey of adult inpatients
found that almost a quarter of those asked felt that they were not always treated
with respect and dignity in hospital. (1)
'Despite many nurses and doctors working against the odds to
give their best, older people are too often forced to suffer infringements in
basic standards of care such as nutrition and privacy.
'In the 21st century, it really is shocking that health services
fail to consistently provide aspects of basic care, and in the process deny
older people their dignity - this most basic recognition of their humanity.
'Establishing and maintaining dignity for patients is an issue
of paramount importance - patients, in particular older people, cite dignity
as a primary area of concern for them when accessing healthcare.
'We must break out of the cycle of claim and counter-claim.
Later in the year, Help the Aged will be launching a set of measures that will
tell us how much progress we are making with dignity year on year, and call
all those responsible to account.
'Dignity in care should never be compromised and should be far
more than a mere concept to sign up to. Fine words do not deliver dignity for
our older population.'
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