The recently-released Healthcare Commission State of Healthcare report shows that more improvements in quality of care are needed.

The report applauds improvements in the NHS but calls for further efforts to enhance the quality of care and make services more patient-centred.

Reacting to the report, Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations, says:

'It’s worrying that despite increases in overall funding, the performance of some NHS trusts is still unacceptably poor.  This means older people are at risk of secondary infection or are not being treated with appropriate dignity and care.

'Treating symptoms isn’t always enough. Sometimes a bit of thoughtfulness and care is what’s needed to make someone truly feel better. Patients are humans first.

'Life expectancy is increasing all the time, partly as a result of improvements in healthcare services. However, this in turn means those same services are in increased demand. 

'For older people, as the largest users of health services, dignity is of paramount importance. Having privacy to go to the toilet or help with eating a meal can make the world of difference to their overall healthcare experience.

'It’s worrying that the Commission is yet to see substantial improvement in the experiences reported by older people.  We have to push hard until every single healthcare provider succeeds in giving all patients dignity.'