Royal Free Hospital in elderly care scandal

Published: 27th May, 2011

AN inspection of the Royal Free found the Hampstead hospital was failing to meet a legal standard when caring for the elderly.

The Care Quality Commission probe found some elderly patients were not being treated with dignity and respect and sometimes did not get the food and drink to meets their needs.

The report, published Wednesday, added that inspectors also observed “excellent care” from nurses and healthcare staff.

Clerkenwell solicitors Leigh and Day, who represent Cure the NHS campaigners, are offering to support relatives involved in the latest scandal.

Leigh and Day represented relatives at Stafford hospital last year which involved a public inquiry following the “unnecessary deaths” of between 400 and 1,200 people.