Concerns About Eldery Care At Colchester Hospital

13 October 2011, 17:18 | Updated: 13 October 2011, 17:23

A fifth of NHS hospitals are breaking the law on care of the elderly, according to a new report.

The study, from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), found half of hospitals are failing to provide all-round good nutrition to elderly patients while 40% do not offer dignified care.

Of 100 hospitals investigated in England, 49 were found to have minor, moderate or major concerns about nutritional standards for elderly people.

At Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester General Hospital there were moderate concerns on dignity and moderate concerns on nutrition.

Jo Webber, deputy director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: "Every NHS patient, whatever their age, deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and to receive care that meets their fundamental care needs.''

Julie Firth, Director of Nursing and Patient Experience at Colchester Hospital, said: "The CQC report published in July following an inspection in April found 'moderate concerns' with the two essential standards that were reviewed.

"It made clear that the review team found 'mixed experiences', which included many examples of good practice, and that 'care is generally provided in a respectful way and patients are genuinely happy with treatment they receive.'

"Shortly after publication, the Trust sent the CQC an action plan setting out in detail the steps we would take to address the concerns that were raised.

"We are now looking forward to the CQC returning so we can show the work we have carried out."