Derriford Hospital's elderly care 'respects dignity'

The Care Quality Commission carried out 100 unannounced inspections

Care of elderly people at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth is meeting legal standards, a report has concluded.

It was one of six hospitals in the country to meet the criteria set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The report looked at whether older patients are treated with dignity and respect and whether they receive food and drink which meets their needs.

Inspectors visited two wards in March, talked to 11 patients, 14 staff and observed patient records.

The report by the CQC, which carried out 100 inspections, said: "During our visit, one patient had their operation cancelled.

"Staff came to the housekeeper and informed her immediately. This patient received their choice of meal within five minutes."

It also said patients felt involved in their care and were very complimentary about the staff.

'Good experiences'

Patients also appreciated the single-sex ward and said that on the mixed ward there was a clear division of areas, enabling men and women to be cared for separately.

Chief nurse, Professor Sarah Watson-Fisher, said: "It is really pleasing that the patients themselves reported good experiences to the inspectors.

"The inspectors' findings reflect the efforts of our staff across the hospital, every day, to make people's experience as good as it possibly can be."

She said about 70% of Derriford's patients were over 75.

"The care given to older people is particularly important as they are potentially a vulnerable group for whom hospital experience can be daunting and frightening," she added.