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NHS nurses came under fire today for "cruel" and "demeaning" treatment of elderly patients.
TV agony aunt and former nurse, Claire Rayner, said she was "sickened" by what has happened to some parts of her profession.
The president of the Patients Association also called for "bad" nurses to be struck off the medical register.
In a report by the charity, Rayner said: "For far too long, the Patients Association has been receiving calls from people wanting to talk about the dreadful, neglectful, demeaning, painful and sometimes downright cruel treatment their elderly relatives had experienced at the hands of NHS nurses."
Reader views (3)
I hate it when people group everyone together and pin an opinion on them, not all nurses are the same it is just a small minority of people that are in the wrong job. I do agree however that the small amount of people that do neglect their patients need to be severely punished, nurses and doctors are in a position of power and trust and should not abuse that responsibility.
- Kay, London, 27/08/2009 17:52
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I know it's not done to criticise the NHS, but it is probably the biggest employer in the country, so not everyone is going to be an angel. Those responsible should be sacked.
- Paul, London, 27/08/2009 16:09
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This is scandalous. We all know NHS nurses are overworked and underpaid, but nevertheless, surely the elderly are entitled to be treated with dignity. Yes, "bad" nurses should be struck off, but only if it can be determined that they are at fault and not the system.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 27/08/2009 11:41
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