Although the negative 'attitude' to women and to people with a different skin-colour, has somewhat diminished ( thanks to legislation) , it seems our general behaviour and approach towards the frail elderly is expanding unabated.
Hardly a day goes by without some national damning report on such age-related prejudice mainly in health care. Why? And most of the time the 'perpetrators' are highly educated well -paid professional individuals. There still remains an widespread attitudinal negativity towards the aged and old age. Infirm helpless older patients are being treated with contempt and a dismissive callous and apathetic attitude ! Why such 'unprofessional' handling of the vulnerable are not being noticed immediately by their seniors and 'well-paid' managers ? Are those managers only there to look at spreadsheets on the computer screens in their plush offices whilst a thirsty 80 year old is crying for a glass of water !!
The new Secy of State Mr Hunt is now saying that 'such unacceptable behaviour and practice by professional NHS staff will no longer be tolerated and disciplinary actions will be taken against them'. But who will catch and report them? A conspiracy of silence usually pervades our clinical areas like the raping of poor village women by soldiers in war times !!
As a society we have a lot to be proud about ; sadly this is not one of them. This is disgraceful ! Even household pets are treated better in this animal -loving country -- could we not at least match the care of older people with that of the pets !
This has been going on for far too long and must stop - things need to change.
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