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The Health Service Ombudsman

01 March 2011

The Health Service Ombudsman has reported on the treatment of elderly patients by the NHS.

BBC News reports that the Ombudsman found patients over the age of 65 have suffered unnecessary pain, neglect and distress.

Although the report considered only ten complaints, the Ombudsman says these are not isolated cases and in 2010 18% of its complaints about the NHS were about the care of elderly people.

The Ombudsman’s Care and Compassion Report concludes that there is a difference between the values and principles of the NHS compared to the treatment actually being received by elderly patients. The Report also highlights the lack of communication between staff and patients as a problem.

If you or a family member has been injured during a stay in Hospital or in a Nursing or Care Home, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team today for a telephone conversation or a free, preliminary meeting.

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