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Hospital progress in care for elderly
Adam Derbyshire30/ 7/2008
TAMESIDE Hospital has forged ahead in its care for the elderly, an in-depth review has found.
The probe was launched in the wake of coroner John Pollard’s blistering attack on the hospital in autumn 2006.
Angered by the poor treatment of four elderly people at the hospital, he branded it ‘despicable and chaotic’ – prompting regional health chiefs to bring in two of the country’s top nurses to investigate.
Dame Pauline Fielding and Liz Craig drew up an action plan early last year and carried out a final review in March.
Their findings were published on Tuesday.
The pair, who spent four days observing care on seven wards — including a night visit, said the trust had made "significant progress" in the past 12 months.
However, there are still some shortcomings, with concerns raised over staffing levels and extra training needed for nurses to handle complaints properly.
Dame Pauline said: "The motivation of staff in the clinical areas is evident and impressive.
"We are satisfied that the initiatives in patient care are more widely accepted as the norm.
"However, there is still further to go.
"The challenge is now for the trust to maintain the momentum and ensure that staff remain enthused and committed to seeking further quality improvements."
Mr Pollard said: "I too, am delighted to hear of the great improvements that have been achieved.
Dedicated
"I have mentioned numerous times the fact that there are some very hard working and dedicated staff at Tameside General Hospital, and their efforts are now paying off.
"I will, of course, continue to monitor matters on behalf of the people of Tameside."
Christine Green, chief executive, said: "This comprehensive report is a very positive endorsement of the hard work undertaken in the hospital."
Ashton MP David Heyes said: "The sad thing is that this report was ever needed in the first place.
"We should have always been able to be confident that our local hospital would treat elderly patients with dignity.
"But it is clear that the hospital has made some progress since Dame Pauline Fielding’s first report last year validated many of the criticisms made by the coroner in court and myself in parliament.
"A careful reading of the report reveals that, despite many improvements, there are still issues to be addressed and the reviewer’s conclude that there is still further to go."
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Mr Pollard is NOT elected to his post, nor does he speak for me. Who does he think he is making such comments.
30/07/2008 at 21:27