Andrew Harrop, Head of Public Policy at Age Concern and Help the Aged, said:

“This report adds to the huge number of complaints we’ve heard from older people and their families about hospitals’ failure to treat patients with dignity and care.  

“Stories of patients being left without food or drink come as no surprise.  Six out of ten older people are at risk of becoming malnourished or their situation getting worse in hospital.  Age Concern and Help the Aged have launched the Hungry to be Heard campaign to improve mealtimes in hospitals.

“Older people are the main users of the NHS but for too long they have not been given the protection and care they deserve.  Being treated with respect when ill is a basic right and something that anyone would expect.  Hospitals must do more to ensure all their staff meet government standards and ensure patients, their relatives and carers are treated with dignity and respect.”