By Anna O’Hanlon, Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Hampson Hughes

The Care Quality Commission has reviewed 81 Care Homes in the UK to obtain a brief view of the care afforded to elderly people. The findings have alarmed a number of experts in respect of the care afforded, that being that there appears to be a fundamental problem with a lack of general care for these vulnerable people.

Some of the continuing problems have been highlighted as a result of this review, them being; only staff at 38% of homes reported they got regular visits from GPs, with one in 10 care homes saying they had to pay GPs to get them to visit residents. A further problem stemming from this was getting medication, prescribed by GP’s, to the residents on time.

Professor Finbarr Martin, of the British Geriatric Society, said “It is time health service planners matched their obligations to ensure that the healthcare needs of this vulnerable group are adequately met.”

I think we would all agree that elderly people require a higher level of dependence on the NHS and they deserve to be treated in accordance to their needs. It is a generation that we must not forget and must continue to support and help.

If you feel a loved one has been injured as a result of lack of care in a care home then please contact Anna O’Hanlon at Hampson Hughes Solicitors on 0151 236 1222.

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