NHS Patients 'Feel Ignored And Sidelined'

The NHS is failing some the country's most vulnerable patients by ignoring complaints and failing to show compassion, according to a new report.

The Patients Association says many are left "uninformed" about their treatment, but are scared to complain because they fear recriminations.

Called 'Why our NHS should listen and be human', the report warns says most patients who raise grievances are driven by a desire to improve the system for others rather than punish staff.

The charity also says patients and their families understand doctors and nurses are not always able to answer their questions, but should be kept informed about their care.

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: "Today's themes report demonstrates that too often patients and their families are treated without compassion, are uninformed about treatment and next steps, feel ignored and sidelined when they raise concerns or complaints.

"In our report, Why our NHS should listen and be human, we have identified that patients are still being shown a lack of care, compassion and dignity.

"We have also reported that openness and transparency are key themes that patients and the public are concerned about.

"The NHS is failing many of the most vulnerable members of society and patients and the public have told us about inconsistencies in the provision of care, poor standards of care and compassion, and a lack of openness and transparency in communication between healthcare staff, patients and their families.

"These themes can be summed up as a desire to be treated in a humane and caring way with compassion, dignity, openness and honesty."

The association said the NHS must improve its complaints procedures and the support it gives patients.

Ms Murphy added: "It is now time to stop the rhetoric; be honest with your patients and place them central to everything you do, patients and the public deserve nothing less."