Cardiff Royal Infirmary tambourine

Responding to media reports today that patients at a Welsh hospital were given a tambourine to attract nurses' attention Victoria Lloyd, Director of Influencing and Programme Development of Age Cymru says:

“Health services should support older people’s wellbeing and dignity. 

“Expecting patients to use a tambourine to attract attention is inappropriate, patronising and it denies them the dignity we all deserve.

“Older people and their families should be able to feel confident that they will always be provided with high standards of compassionate care.

“Dignity and respect are not optional extras - they must be at the heart of care and health services for older people because they are a vital part of their treatment and rehabilitation.”