Compassion in Dying calls for all patients to be treated with dignity and respect
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has reported today that hospitals in England are failing elderly patients when it comes to basic care, dignity and respect.
CQC chair Dame Jo Williams said:
“The fact that over half of hospitals were falling short to some degree in the basic care they provided to elderly people is truly alarming and deeply disappointing. This report must result in action.”
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Compassion in Dying said:
“I echo the comments of the Care Quality Commission. This report is shocking and highlights a need for urgent action to ensure that no further patients have to suffer the indignity and poor care that appears so widespread in our hospitals at present.
“Guidance on end-of-life care issued by the General Medical Council in 2010 clearly states that doctors should be satisfied that nutrition and hydration are being provided in a way that meets the patients’ needs. If these needs are not being met, the doctor should inform an appropriate person within the organisation that is responsible for the patient’s care.
“Good quality basic care, dignity and respect for all patients regardless of age, diagnosis and care setting must be at the core of the work of healthcare professionals, who are, on the whole doing an excellent job in difficult circumstances.”
Ends.
Notes to editor:
About Compassion in Dying
- Compassion in Dying is a national charity (no. 1120203) that aims to support people at the end of life to have what they consider to be a good death by providing information and support around their rights and choices. We are a leading provider of free Advance Decisions in the UK and we also conduct and review research around patient rights and choices in end-of-life care.
For more information on Compassion in Dying visit www.compassionindying.org.uk
Media Contacts:
For all media enquiries, please contact Jo Cartwright on 020 7479 7737 / 07725433025 or at jo.cartwright@compassionindying.org.uk.