Institutional abuse of older people must end

10.29.08am GMT Wed 24th Sep 2003

Responding to the report by health watchdog the Commission for Health Improvement on the treatment of older mental health patients, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on older people, Paul Burstow MP, said:

"This is another appalling example of institutionalised abuse of older people. It comes as evidence grows of the over-use of medication and chemical cosh restraints for the convenience of over worked staff. This is tantamount to imprisonment not the care of the patients.

"Mental health services particularly for older people have been neglected by successive governments for years. This is certainly a cause of such unacceptable treatment but can never be an excuse.

"There is an urgent need for legislation to protect older people from abuse. The Government must ensure that services for vulnerable older people are not neglected. This appalling treatment must stop."

ENDS