Elderly healthcare 'must improve'

The inspectors looked at issues of dignity, privacy and nutrition

Two West Midlands NHS Trusts have been told to improve the way they treat elderly patients.

The Healthcare Commission named Walsall Hospital Trust and the University Hospital Birmingham Trust as two of 18 that needed to improve.

The commission investigated 23 NHS Trusts which had previously received complaints about their care. Only five trusts met all the required standards.

Both trusts said they were putting steps in place to improve.

The inspectors looked at issues of dignity, privacy and nutrition.

'Critical challenge'

Healthcare Commission chief executive Anna Walker said: "It is encouraging to see where organisations are taking on board national concern about this issue and getting the right systems in place, but systems are not enough.

"There is a critical challenge to ensure that all older people are treated with dignity all of the time."

A spokesperson for Walsall Hospital Trust said the majority of the report into their standards was positive.

However, they added that they were doing what they could to bring all their hospital wards up to the required standard.

A spokesman for the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said: "The visits highlighted that although the Trust has robust policies in providing nutritional meals for our patients, including those with impaired swallowing function, our staff were not always aware of what was available.

"Following the Healthcare Commission feedback we have increased staff training to ensure that all staff are aware of the range of food and drink available around the clock."