OPAH Six-Monthly Rep Oct 2012
"In the majority of our observations, we saw
staff treating older people with compassion, dignity and respect.
We also noted that many hospitals have started to make the hospital
environment more suitable for patients with dementia. However, we
also identified a number of areas for improvement. In some
instances, staff did not always consider the patient’s privacy and
dignity when discussing personal issues and what was wrong with
them at the patient’s bedside. We also found that patients were not
always screened to assess their nutritional needs when they are
admitted to hospital. We will continue to work with NHS boards to
ensure that our inspections contribute to improvements in the care
of older people in acute hospitals."
Ian Smith - Acting Chief Inspector