AGEISM IN THE NHS TO BE MADE ILLEGAL (From This Is Lancashire)

AGEISM IN THE NHS TO BE MADE ILLEGAL

Like racism and sexism , ageism or discrimination of older people in public life is also an 'evil'! Despite various promises and undertaking given through Govt. policy documents eg National Service Framework for Older People ( 2001) , not a great deal has been achieved. Overt age discrimination may have diminished a little but the undercurrent of ageist practice still remains widespread. It is not always easy to 'prove' such behaviour ; a frail older person without a strong 'advocate' fighting for her, quite often doesn't have a choice rather than to accept such decisions. On top of that , it can also be argued , that older people themsleves often 'contribute' to such attitude. " the doctor is right , what can I expect at my age!''

In their review, Sir Ian Carruthers, Chief Executive of the NHS South West and Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Exectuive of Bristol City Council have said that the Health and Social Care Sector should be at the leading edge of ending age discrimination and promoting age equality. Mr Andy Burnham MP ( Wigan) , now the Health Secretary has endorsed this report and declared that by 2012 , following the necessary legislation , all forms of age discrimination will be made illegal in the NHS.

We hope this move would soon spread throughout the Society and end all forms of ageist discrimination for good.