Human rights and healthcare: changing the culture

摘要

Despite the introduction of the Human Rights Act in 1998, there has been a relative failure to use the Act to improve care for older people. All older adults receiving health or social care should assume that they will be treated with dignity, respect, humanity and compassion. It should not be forgotten that Human Rights belong to everyone, and they cannot be taken away [1]. Unfortunately, so often, admission to a hospital or a move to a care home can lead to the loss of Human Rights, particularly for those suffering from dementia. The media have highlighted their plight. The medical profession, in particular geriatricians, is in an ideal position to provide leadership to promote a better understanding of their importance and the need to protect an individual’s rights both in hospital and in care homes [2].