Hello,

I am a student, working in health and social care, who is going to be carrying out a presentation about older people and their experiences of discrimination in society today.  I am particulary interested in the link between ageism and hospital experiences.  If anyone can provide examples of personal experience of ageism within health care settings i would be most grateful.  I feel this would be more effective in highlighting how practice can be improved.  Any tips on good practice would also be appreciated.

Many thanks

Forty years ago a doctor said to me: 'It would be nice if we had a 'preventative health care system' but we have'nt.' I was then 25 years of age. In the 42 years since I have not used the NHS (not that I could / can afford private medical treatment). I have just been informed (Aug 2007) that not only will the NHS not recify a shoulder problem that is getting worse, but I will not even be offered a scan to pin point the problem: 'Just keep up the excersises.'

I keep reading the the NHS - is free - it certainly is not. Having paid into the system for 50 years I am now being told to - grin and bear it. This is called: priority treatment for Veterans.??

Now I have to go though a 'complaints procedure' and all that that entails - what a nonscence and I am one of the - lucky ones! I am not looking forward to the next ten years in a medical system where - daylight robbery if the norm. 50 years of - National Health payments for nothing.

Best practice in the medical profession - can't say that I have seen any: Wife (none smoker - thre time a week in the gym) died aged 54 (too much anxiety and sleep deprivation) after looking after / assisting to look after our severly disable son ( who was,nt supposed to get past the age of three and died aged 31) no thanks to the medical profession.  

Hi there

I think my parents are facing some discrimination, both from their GP and possibly from the hospital / consultants, the latter being debateable I suppose.  I won't repeat it all here but see my moans in the 'Discrimination' thread and see what you think.

My mother has been in pain since they discharged her (diverticulitis / perforated bowel) after a short fasting and drip treatment.  They discharged her too quickly in my opinion and she has been in constant pain since (and before - she only had a bit of relief during the treatment and they gave her morphine).  Now, trying to get the GP to find out why she isn't being given the promise outpatient follow-up is just a real struggle and they have ended up requested to be referred to the consultant privately.  Even when an appointment to see a consultant is instigated, it takes at least six weeks to get an appointment and then they tend to send letters postponing for another couple of weeks.  Though this may be the same for patients of any age I guess.