Alzheimer’s Society comment on Care Quality Commission inspection

The report identified three hospitals as failing to meet essential standards required by law. Failings included people not being given adequate assistance to eat and drink, not being given enough fluids and failing to involve patients in their own care.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'It is unacceptable that in one in four hospitals are robbing people of their dignity and complicating health problems. People with dementia occupy a quarter of hospital beds. With the right training and support, good care is possible. However, Alzheimer's Society research shows the majority of people with dementia leave hospital in worse health than when they arrived.'

'This could all be stopped and hundreds of millions could be saved if we invest in more appropriate services and training. For too long poor dementia care has been costing lives and money. The CQC must crack down on hospitals that fail to meet standards.'

Louise Lakey

Policy Manager

Alzheimer's Society

-Ends-

To read the full story follow this link: cqc.org.uk/reviewsandstudies/inspectionprogramme-dignityandnutritionforolderpeople.cfm

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051 
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk