Nearly half of NHS hospitals visited by undercover inspectors failed to meet basic nutrition standards, according to a damning report by the Care Quality Commission. The report found elderly patients to be routinely left on wards without fluids as nursing staff were too busy to provide adequate care. Some patients were found to be so dehydrated they required intravenous drips. Other patients had to be fed by relatives, as nursing staff were too busy to help to feed them. Other concerns included hospitals noting Do Not Resuscitate orders inside of patients’ notes without patients’ consent.
The Commission found that 49 out of 100 hospitals failed to meet basic nutrition standards. On one Worcestershire Acute Hospital ward, frail patients waited more than ten hours for a drink. Inspectors visiting Barnsley Hospital found that staff had failed to receive training on identifying patients who require help eating and drinking. At James Paget University Hospital in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, a nurse was found to tell off a frail patient who had rung her call bell for assistance. Inspectors also uncovered major concerns regarding the nutritional standards at Worcester Hospitals and at Sandwell General Hospital in Birmingham. The report follows widespread concern amongst ministers and patient groups that some nursing staff may be allowing the neglect of vulnerable patients. At worst, hospitals who fail to improve could be fined.
Duncan Lewis’ team of family law solicitors can address concerns that family members are not receiving the care they require, either at home or in a hospital environment.