11:30am Sunday 24th June 2012 in News

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow has announced new laws aimed at ending age discrimination in hospitals.

Mr Burstow wants to ensure elderly people no longer face age discrimination when they need medical treatment.

The ban will mean older patients who feel they are receiving poor or undignified care due to their age, could take legal action from October.

Doctors will continue to make the final decision on treatment, but it will be illegal for the elderly to be denied treatment on age grounds alone.

Mr Burstow said: “This is about basic human dignity. Care providers should look beyond the age of sometimes very vulnerable people and instead look at whether the person needs a particular treatment.

“We have all heard of disturbing cases where people have been denied treatment by the NHS due to their age. This new legislation will ensure that people are treated based on their individual needs, not due to unfair prejudice.

“This is long overdue, and sends a strong message that ageist views will no longer be tolerated in our health service.”

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/