HEALTH boards are failing to treat elderly patients with compassion and respect despite repeated complaints, Scotland's public service watchdog has warned.
HEALTH boards are failing to treat elderly patients with compassion and respect despite repeated complaints, Scotland's public service watchdog has warned.
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Magnus Gardham Political Editor.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Jim Martin said the same issues were raised in many of the complaints he considers, including inadequate nutrition, falls, bed sores and staff ignoring patients' wishes.
He described a culture of defensiveness among NHS bosses and a reluctance within some boards to accept criticisms of their procedures and staff. In a letter to Holyrood's health committee, he said: "I remain concerned that we are failing to learn from experience and that this is increasingly a failing we can no longer afford.
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