Hospitals are 'bad places for old people'

The head of the NHS has said hospitals are a "very bad place" for older adults in the UK.

Sir David Nicholson called for residential care to be expanded, stating hospitals are not the correct place to treat "old, frail people", The Independent reports.

He said: "If you think about the average general hospital now, something like 40 per cent of the patients will have some form of dementia."

Currently the NHS chief executive, Sir David has been appointed as head of the Health Service's Commissioning Board, which will assume responsibility for NHS services in England in April, taking over from the Department of Health.

Sir David has stated his intention to expand community care programmes, but admits some hospital facilities may need to close.

Although he will be responsible for a £93 billion budget, Sir David will be required to make savings of around £20 billion.

He has pledged that the new Commissioning Board will not be afraid to confront ministers over NHS budgets.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.