Six staff disciplined at Norfolk's James Paget Hospital

Six members of staff at a hospital serving Norfolk and north Suffolk have been disciplined over care given to patients aged over 60.

Details of the action at the James Paget Hospital, in Gorleston, Norfolk, emerged following a Freedom of Information request.

Hospital bosses said "robust" action had been taken in response to complaints.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given the hospital two formal warnings.

Hospital spokesman Jon Dack said: "Our aim is to provide the highest quality care for all our patients.

Chief executive resignation

"None of the six sanctions relate to abuse, suspected abuse or neglect of elderly patients. However, they do relate to poor practice regarding care.

"The six incidents were reported between July and October 2010 through our own robust systems. You would expect this hospital to take action in those circumstances and we have done so."

Three further complaints about care given to patients over the age of 60 are currently being investigated, the hospital said.

In September, the hospital was criticised by the CQC for not meeting the nutritional needs of patients.

A follow-up inspection found improvements in that area, but a second warning was given because the system was not consistent and patients were not always receiving help when eating and drinking.

Wendy Slaney stepped down as chief executive of the hospital in December, saying the "longer term interests" of the trust were "of greater importance than my own position".