I don’t know whether this is due to the quality of life ethic, strained resources, or indifference—but it appears that dependent seniors face malnourishment while in care in some Scotland NHS hospitals. From the story:
One of the country’s leading health campaigners has urged the Scottish Government to urgently tackle the problem of malnutrition of the elderly and vulnerable in the nation’s hospitals, likening the problem to a form of “euthanasia”. Dr Jean Turner – executive director of Scotland Patients Association (SPA), a GP and former independent MSP – warned that hundreds of patients, particularly the elderly, are languishing in hospital beds undernourished because they are not given help with feeding. She says nursing staff are often reluctant to air their concerns about patient welfare because of a fear of repercussions from senior management.
A recent report estimated that 50,000 patients are dying each year in NHS hospitals in a state of malnutrition, which may have hastened their end. New figures released by the British Dietetics Association earlier this week revealed that the problem costs Scotland’s health boards around £1.3 billion each year. The SPA’s warning follows a report by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, which was highly critical of a Lanarkshire hospital’s care of a 66-year-old patient.
And this is where many want to legalize assisted suicide! Are you kidding me?
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.
