Press Release

Emergency services must meet the needs of older people, says Help the Aged

25 September 2008

Reacting to a Healthcare Commission review of urgent and emergency care services, Not Just a Matter of Time, which calls for improvements to the system across England, Charlotte Potter, Senior Health Policy Officer for Help the Aged, says:

“While this report shows some welcome improvements in healthcare services, there remains a way to go before we can be assured that everyone receives the care they need in an emergency.  There are still some worrying shortfalls - people with more complex needs, including older people, are still getting pushed from pillar to post.

“When older people are poorly in the middle of the night they want the reassurance of knowing who to call and getting the help they need – all too often the NHS isn’t providing this service.

“Until everybody is able to benefit from consistent, high quality health services, there will always be more work to do. It is imperative that the Government and NHS providers take on board the Healthcare Commission's recommendations."