Protection of elderly - Care homes need greater scrutiny

RECENT cases in which conditions in some nursing homes have been highlighted, would reinforce the belief that there is a need for greater control to be exercised over them by local health authorities.

In the more extreme examples of where hardship has been inflicted on elderly or infirm patients, or where conditions are unacceptable, it would seem that the existing legislation is inadequate to address it.

Obviously, the majority of such homes observe the highest standards of patient care and hygiene but there is a minority of proprietors who are not as conscientious.