Health Service Watchdog Says 1/3 Care Homes Break Dignity Laws

(Posted on 12/12/11)

It’s a shameful fact: according to the Care Quality Commission, up to a third of hospitals and nursing homes are breaking dignity laws. Accusations run the gamut, too. From not treating patients as human beings to placing DNR, or "do not resuscitate" orders on patients without consent, it appears respect and dignity aren’t necessarily the priority for many.
Other heartbreaking accusations include refusing to feed patients unable to feed themselves, an unwillingness to help a patient maintain his or her dignity in the restroom and reports of patients going weeks without their hair being shampooed.
Cynthia Bower, who is the CEO of CQC, said 9,000 inspections have been carried out this year along and a full 30% of those inspections found serious deficits that not only take away one’s dignity and self-respect, but also actions that could jeopardize a patient’s life. Even more tragic was Bower’s press release. In it, she says, "Older people in hospital aren’t asking for anything too fancy…we’re just looking at the basics of everyday life: being fed, being assisted to the toilet…just being treated in a dignified way." She says this was non-existent in many of the facilities.
Meanwhile, another report was released in early December that suggests the CQC is not holding its responsibilities, either. The National Audit Office found that its stands "fell significantly". Some solicitors in the UK are doubting the accuracy of the report. In November, it was suggested CQC was "unfit for purpose". Many are wondering how the new group could fall so short, especially considering its in its infancy. That said, if it is growing pains as the agency attempts to find its place, this is one sector that simply can’t afford those kinds of adjustments. There are lives at stake.
In the meantime, however, patients are still paying the ultimate price with a significant lack of basic care and the dignity and respect each human deserves. With 1 in 7 nursing homes that aren’t operating within the law, that’s a lot of patients.