Doctors and NHS managers will be banned by law from denying older patients treatment simply on the grounds of their age, ministers will announce.
Nurses and carers will also face a legal duty to consider the “well-being and dignity” of the elderly. The legal ban on age discrimination in public services will come into force in October, the Coalition will confirm.
It follows a series of shocking reports showing that older people often suffer sub-standard care and uneven treatment in the NHS and the social care system
“We know that older people are not always treated with the dignity and respect they deserve because of ageist attitudes – this will not be tolerated,” Paul Burstow, the Care Minister, said.
Questions
Answer with complete sentences.
- What will ministers announce today?
- What will nurses be obliged by law to consider?
- When will be new rules be introduced?
- What have several reports demonstrated?
- What attitudes cause this lack of respect, according to the Minister?
General
- As more people live longer, is it possible to offer a full range of medical treatments to old people?
- How can we finance the extra costs associated with medical care for an aging population?
Answers
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It is impossible to offer a full range of medical treatment to all elderly people for free or for little money. I think the need for money to spend on medical treatments for elderly people is endless and unfortunately, by using public money, we only can afford a very limited amount of momeny on medical treatments and this it is far not enough. Private medical care seems solve the problem easily – rich people pay for and receive much better medical care than ordinary people – it is always good to be rich.
Is it always good to be rich? I’m trying to train myself not to believe that – but it’s difficult in China because people are obsessed with money – actually, quick easy money (never mind the quality – make some money in the short term and retire). Still, it gives me a challenge.