Welsh Conservatives have called for a “significant” and “urgent” improvement in the hospital treatment of older people in Wales.
The call – on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – follows the publication of a report by the Older People’s Commissioner, and has come during the group’s Opposition Debate in the Senedd.
In a survey highlighted within ‘Dignified Care?’, 31 per cent of those questioned said they were not confident that an older person would be ‘treated with dignity in hospital’.
21 per cent said they, or an older person they know, had a negative experience in hospital.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said: “The hospital experience for some older people in Wales is – quite simply – appalling.
“The Older People’s Commissioner highlighted a series of unacceptable failings in her report. Every example of stripped dignity, lack of privacy and respect denies basic human rights.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is about highlighting this issue and helping as many older people as possible.
“It is a perfect opportunity for the Welsh Labour Government to properly commit to significantly improving the treatment of our older people.
“We need to see stronger ward leadership and better staff training as soon as possible.
“We need assurances that hospitals will translate policies and principles into good practice.
“We need to see appropriate communication and consultation being used to discuss treatment and diagnosis with patients.
“It’s been three months since the Older People’s Commissioner published her report – it’s now time to see action to address the shortcomings that were identified.”
