BIRMINGHAM, WALSALL HOSPITALS FAILING OLDER PATIENTS

27-09-2007

Birmingham's University Hospital Trust which runs Selly Oak and the QE has been criticised by the Healthcare Commission for failing to provide older patients with dignity and privacy on the ward. Walsall Hospitals Trust has also been given a ticked off.

The Healthcare Commision is the official NHS watchdog, charged with monitoring patient care.

Their investigation into 23 hospitals nationwide focussed on whether older people were given the help and advice they needed to eat properly, whether their "modesty" was protected, and whether they were looked after in a suitably respectful manner.

Although all of the hospitals had declared themselves compliant with government standards, only five actually met them in practice, according to the Commission.

Complaints included the continued use of mixed sex wards (which Labour promised to abolish) and provision of an inappropriate diet – eg diabetic or culturally specific foods being unavilable outside of normal working hours.

Eight Trusts were issued with formal notification letters, warning that they are at risk of non-compliance, and threatening spot checks.

UHB and Walsall avoided the most severe telling-off but they still had a firm rap on the knuckles, with the Commission ordering them to make improvements to their training, and keep meal times separate from doctor's rounds and tests.