Care home caution

SIR – My mother was in a care home for eight years, during which time she had a number of falls.

On each occasion an ambulance would be called and she would be taken to the local A&E “for assessment”. This usually involved a stay of four to six hours. I would then collect her and return her to the care home, or a friend or a taxi would pick her up. Fortunately, she only ever sustained minor cuts and bruises.

In the recent past, most residents who experienced a fall or similar minor problem would have been treated by the care home’s staff, then given a cup of tea and a bit of extra care for a short time. Now an ambulance is called, adding to hospital waiting times, and family members must get involved.

In the light of pressures facing the NHS, surely we need commonsense policies to deal with matters such as minor cuts and bruising without a visit to A&E. Paul Cook

Hayling Island, Hampshire