It’s been known that this was happening for a long time:
The remarks mirror findings by Age Concern in its
report Hungry to be Heard in which it warned that more than 750,000
pensioners could be left to go hungry in hospitals this year.
Its
research uncovered how one in four hospital patients or visitors in
2005 and 2006 knew someone who had suffered an unhealthy experience
with meals and vital nutrition.
Some patients
could not feed themselves as their food had been placed out of reach;
others were simply too weak. In some cases they were unable to eat
because of their condition.
Some families were forced to turn up at hospitals to feed their sick relatives and ensure they did not starve.
The solution offered by our current Lords and Masters?
Last year, for example, ministers said a dignity nurse would be
appointed in every health service hospital to ensure that elderly
patients are respected.
Not all that sure that a dignity nurse for the hospital is what is needed. How about a nurse to do the actual feeding?
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