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Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“It is very welcome that the Government are encouraging more people to become dignity champions and have recognised failures in the system. However, there is still a huge way to go in treating patients with the dignity and respect they deserve.

“Older people are the main users of health and social care services but despite this neither the provision of services nor training of professionals recognises this fact. Ageist practices and unacceptable breaches of people’s rights – such as couples being split up – are still occurring.

“Treating older patients with dignity and respect in all aspects of their care is essential from the basics, like help with eating, upwards. Age discrimination in the NHS must be outlawed and a major culture change is needed from board to ward.”

ENDS

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