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28 April 2009

NHS accused of ageism in mental health services

In response to new research published in ‘Cognitive Behaviour Therapist’ magazine which indicates ageist practises in the NHS (2), Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged, says: 

'The newly published Equality Bill heralds an end to age discrimination and this research shows just how necessary this is. Doctors working with older people have repeatedly highlighted how older people are missing out on vital treatments for no better reason then their age. 

'The treatment of depression in older people is clearly an area where we need strong regulations prohibiting discrimination.  

'It is vital the Government commits to a legally binding timetable for the introduction of regulations in health and social care or older people will continue to suffer ageism and substandard treatment in the NHS.' 

Useful information: 

• Almost half (47%) of British Geriatrics Society (BGS) members think the NHS is institutionally ageist.(2)
• Three quarters (77%) of BGS members would support the introduction of legislation against age discrimination in the NHS.(2)
• Well over half (55%) of BGS members said they themselves would be worried about how the NHS will treat them in old age.(2) 
• Two thirds (66%) of BGS members agreed that in their experience, older people are less likely to have their symptoms fully investigated.(2)
• Seven out of ten (72%) BGS member said older people were also less likely to be considered and referred on for essential treatments.(2) 

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact Jack Neill-Hall, Age Concern and Help the Aged press office, on 020 7239 1942 or out of hours 07730 912524.

1. Are older patients denied access to psychological services due to ageism in the NHS? Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital Headington, Oxford
2. The British Geriatrics Society, on behalf of Help the Aged, surveyed a sample of 201 of its UK members from a total of 2000 UK members on the 30th May 2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the sample has been confirmed by an independent poling company as representative of UK BGS members. For more information please contact the Help the Aged press office on 020 7239 1942.
3. Last summer, the charity’s ‘Down, but not out’ campaign found that ageist attitudes and age-based rules in the NHS mean that more than eight out of ten older people with clinical depression don’t get the treatment they need. If depression is not identified and treated, it can lead to a life of misery. It can also cause other illnesses and, in extreme cases, can lead to suicide. For further information about Age Concern and Help the Aged’s ‘Down, but not out’ campaign please contact Anne-Marie Devaney on 020 8765 7511 or email anne-marie.devaney@ace.org.uk
4. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist is a new online only peer-reviewed journal that launched in 008, and is aimed primarily at cognitive behavioural practitioners in the helping and teaching professions.
5. Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.