Deaths prompt elderly care review

New guidelines will be issued into the care of elderly people after a critical report into the deaths of eight elderly patients. The report by Barnet Health Authority found serious failures in the transfer of patients from Napsbury Hospital to Elmstead nursing home. Seven of the patients died less than two weeks after being moved.

Paul Boateng, the health minister, said: "There were insupportable and unacceptable management failures. Decisions were taken which were driven by bureaucracy and the market rather than the requirements of patient care." Glenda Cooper