Report aims to stamp out 'undignified and degrading' care
Dignity in Care Commission interim report focuses on how to tackle the underlying causes of poor care, says Age UK.
Over the past few years we have seen report after report detailing shocking examples of care in our hospitals and care homes. The Dignity in Care Commission interim report seeks to identify ways to end these persistent failings across the health and social care system.
The Commission on Dignity in Care for Older People in hospitals and care homes was formed last summer by a partnership of Age UK, the NHS Confederation and the Local Government Association.
The Commission found that the care of older people needs fundamental change so that hospitals and care homes eradicate undignified care and ensure all patients and residents are treated with respect and dignity. It recommends, that "fundamental changes to culture, leadership, management, staff development, clinical practice and service delivery" is required to stamp out undignified, degrading and harmful care.
Expert evidence was heard from right across the care system, including older people and their families, nursing, social care, medicine, management and commissioning. The partnership heard a great deal about the problems in the system and the impact on older people, but it also heard much that was positive, highlighting where people are working with compassion and dedication to get it right. The interim report 'Delivering dignity: Helping hospitals and care homes improve dignity in care for older people', which is now open for a one-month public consultation, is the outcome of the Commission's work to date.
This report is not a repetition of well-documented problems, neither is it a best practice guide, excellent work in this area already exists. Instead, it focuses on how to tackle the underlying causes of poor care, which too often means excellent practice and innovation does not flourish.
Following the consultation, a final report will be published in early summer. However, this is not the end. The Commission will follow this up with a three to five year programme to implement the recommendations involving a range of partners. We recognise that some hospitals and care homes are already providing great care for older people, so the intention is to build on existing best practice across the system so we get it right for every person, every time.
Read the interim report and submit your views
Find out more about the launch on the Age UK website
Member Response: Oliver Thomas, UK director, Bupa Care Homes
"Today's report recognises there is some great care being provided across the sector by thousands of dedicated staff who work extremely hard to ensure that dignity of all the older people in their care is their top priority. We welcome and support the Commission's call for best practice to be celebrated and shared better across the social care sector.
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