CHI raises the stakes on dementia care

Clive Evers, Alzheimer's Society director of information and education, says:

'People with dementia seem invisible. This report highlights lack of protection for vulnerable older people across health and social care. There is a lack of systems and processes to improve care and safeguard patients. This report shows that too often there is no safety net in place to protect older people.

Supporting people with dementia should be seen as an important role. It is unacceptable that care for this group should be seen as an unskilled job.

CHI's report also highlights the vulnerability of people with dementia whom often have no one to speak on their behalf. The draft Mental Incapacity Bill would provide protection for people with dementia and support for carers and professionals to avoid similar situations in the future.

CHI's investigation followed allegations in August 2002 of physical and emotional abuse of patients by care staff in Rowan Ward in Withington, Manchester. Rowan Ward was an isolated facility housing older people with mental health problems including dementia.

Relatives expressed worry about the isolation of Rowan Ward in August 2001 when the majority of services were moved from the site. There was evidence of bruising and weight loss in people with dementia and complaints about injuries and delays in treatment.

The Department of Health guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, No Secrets (published in 2000), has not worked for Manchester.

The CHI investigating committee included two members of the Alzheimer's Society and the committee received evidence from several branches of the Society.'

Notes to editors