The care of older people in hospital and within the wider healthcare system is something the Telegraph & Argus has been highlighting for some time through our With Respect campaign.

Two stories today highlight both sides of the coin of our campaign. A report by the Patients’ Association which highlights failures in the NHS uses as a case study Maisie Walton, of Cleckheaton, who was treated at Dewsbury and District Hospital prior to her death in July.

Her family describe a litany of poor care, including poorly-administered skin care, the 89-year-old being left on a commode for ten minutes, and soiled clothes just left in her locker.

It is this type of treatment which our campaign aimed to highlight and – as the Patients’ Association report puts it – provide a “wake up call” for the Government and the NHS over the care of older people.

On the other hand, a separate report by the Care Quality Commission praises Airedale Hospital for the way it deals with its elderly patients.

Of particular note, said the watchdog, was the hospital’s Butterfly Scheme which helps patients who suffer memory loss due to dementia. The report also points out that observers noted staff “respecting the privacy and dignity of patients”.

This, too, is what the With Respect campaign is about - highlighting and giving credit where it’s due to the good work being done in the district to properly care for people as they get older.

The two stories together show that there is much being done, especially in our local hospitals, that is good and works towards giving greater respect and dignity to the elderly... but that in some areas there is still sadly a long way to go.