Welsh Conservatives will call for better skills and knowledge for all staff caring for older patients during the group’s Opposition Debate on Wednesday March 23rd.
The call follows the publication of a report by the Older People’s Commissioner – ‘Dignified Care’.
Welsh Conservative Assembly Members will express concern at issues arising from poor communication, poor continence care, clinical leadership and specialist knowledge in both acute and community hospitals.
Shadow Minister for Health, Nick Ramsay AM, said: “I am sickened by the content of the Commissioner’s damning report and I deplore every example of stripped dignity, respect and privacy suffered by older patients in hospital.
“There is a string of failings that the Assembly Government needs to address as a matter of urgency.
“All staff caring for older patients should acquire appropriate levels of knowledge and skill through continuing education and training.
“Ward environments – which are commonly unsuitable for the older people occupying them – need to be vastly improved.
“It is not acceptable for people to lose their privacy and face acute discomfort in hospital, and stronger ward leadership is a necessity.
“Hospitals must translate policies and principles into good practice and further staff training and more specialists can help to bring this about.
“The NHS is failing under Labour-Plaid and we need change to improve care and put patients first.”
