Law firm Clear Law has spoken of its concerns that elderly patients are being put at risk of developing pressure sores as a result of funding cuts in the care of those aged 65 and over.
Official data revealed that funding for these patients has fallen by a fifth in England during the last 10 years, leaving vulnerable people at risk of medical negligence.
According to figures obtained by the BBC, the amount spent per person over 65 in 2013/14 was £951 compared to £1,188 ten years ago. In real terms, this means a decrease of 20% has taken place. The Government budget fell by £8.85 billion in the same period while the amount of people in the age range increased by 17% to around 9.3 million.
As a result, health authorities have been forced to reduce their social care budgets meaning more elderly people are visiting their local Accident and Emergency departments instead of receiving care in their own homes. Many struggle to carry out everyday tasks like washing and dressing and are not receiving the level of care they are entitled to.
The North West, Yorkshire and Humberside are the regions most badly affected by the cuts.
Clear Law has voiced their concerns that, as a result of this report, elderly people are being placed at greater risk of developing pressure sores. Also known as bed sores, pressure sores are injuries to the skin and tissue from continuous pressure on the skin. They develop when people spend a long time in a stationary position and older patients are more at risk of developing them, as they may be wheelchair bound or spend more time bed bound.
Pressure sores affect patients being cared for in in their own homes, hospitals and care homes. Throughout the UK, 420,000 people live in care homes and approximately 1 million receive help in their own home. However, figures for Scotland show those getting council-funded help in their own homes has fallen by 13% since 2005, while in Wales there has been a 1% rise in people getting help but a 12% increase in over 65s. Northern Ireland recorded very similar results.
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust has reported a six-fold increase in the number of bedsores at its hospitals in 20132/14 from 2011/12 levels and Clear Law is concerned that, if action is not taken, this increase will soon be reflected right across the country.
In a recent incident, 86 year old Maureen Clayton died in agony from pressure sores when Medway Maritime hospital failed to turn her in her hospital bed. She was in the hospital for 11 weeks and her son said the hospital did not turn her once during her entire stay. Medical guidelines state patients should be turned every four hours. As a result, Mrs Clayton developed MRSA as her bedsores became infected.
Norman Lamb, care minister, told the BBC councils have had a “tough budget settlement” and added: “They have had to play their part in getting the public finances under control.” Mr Lamb revealed there will be £5 billion cash boost set aside in April to help deal with the problem.
Jane Morrison, chief executive of the Independent Age charity, said: “These new figures highlight how the most vulnerable and elderly in our society have been affected by cuts to social care.”
“Older people who struggle with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking have been badly hit, as social care services have been withdrawn over time.
“The knock-on effect of this has been to see a greater demand in the NHS and in pinch points like A&E departments.”
If you or someone you know has experienced medical negligence and you need legal advice, we can help. Visit our dedicated website www.medicalnegligence-solicitors.com for more information or call us on 0800 999 1875 to speak to a member of the team. You can also contact us online here.