The Patients Association has published its fourth annual Patient Stories report – a series of case studies highlighting experiences of poor care within the NHS.
Entitled: Stories from the present, lessons for the future, the report catalogues 13 accounts from patients or relatives who have experienced poor care in hospitals and care homes around the country – providing a snapshot of the many stories of poor care heard by the Patients Association Helpline, and reflecting the wider shortcomings in the NHS. The Patients Association is already working with many Trusts to address poor care by working within the healthcare community to spread best practice and to encourage hospitals and care homes around the country to focus on ensuring dignity and compassion for their patients and residents. It is also working in partnership with the Care Quality Commission to share data and information on health providers who are letting patients down – ensuring, where appropriate, action is taken against those who are letting patients down. In 2011, The Patients Association also launched the Care Campaign, which asks hospital Trusts to sign up to improving standards in some of the fundamental areas of care that matter most to patients, such as communicating with compassion or assisting with toileting. Commenting on the content of the report, Katherine Murphy, chief executive of The Patients Association, said: “The sad conclusion of this report is that still far too many patients are being let down by the NHS every day. These appalling and tragic cases serve to highlight the devastating consequences when poor practice is left unchallenged and unchanged. Behind each one are many more unheard voices. While there is a lot to be proud of about the NHS, including the overwhelming majority of staff who are skilled and hard-working, these cases are a tragic wake-up call for those in Westminster as well as on hospital wards. “Of the relatives and patients who contact our Helpline most wish their experiences could have been different, but they all want to use their stories to influence policy makers. As we stand on the brink of the most radical shake up of the NHS in generations, a new culture of care with a commitment and priority from Trust Boards needs to be put at the heart of the health service; for those who do not, appropriate action needs to be taken.”
