Hospitals not meeting needs of older ethnic minority patients.
Hospitals are failing to meet the needs of older patients from ethnic minorities, according to a survey conducted by Help the Aged and the Policy Research Institute on Ageing and Ethnicity. Thirty two black and ethnic minority elders interviewed in England and Scotland reported experiences of language difficulties, lack of understanding of cultural differences, unsuitable food and a shortage of nurses from minority ethnic groups. The hospital managers interviewed agreed with the ethnic elders on the problem areas raised.