Many dementia patients being prescribed "chemical cosh" antipsychotic drugs could be better treated with simple painkillers, research says. The British and Norwegian study, published on the BMJ website, found painkillers significantly cut agitation in dementia patients. Agitation, a common dementia symptom, is often treated with antipsychotic drugs, which have risky side effects.
Vulnerable adults in care in England are to be given more protection from abuse, the government has said. The pledge comes after a BBC Panorama investigation showed staff at a privately run hospital mistreating adults with learning disabilities.
England's care home regulator has a staff shortage of nearly 300, including some 133 inspectors, it has said. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has 283 unfilled posts in its workforce, including inspectors whose job it is to ensure care homes meet standards. It blamed a recruitment freeze imposed by the Government last year - but the Department of Health said it relaxed the curb in February.
UK scientists say pioneering research into cystic fibrosis has been delayed by funding problems caused by the economic downturn. The researchers were hoping to begin a trial later this summer, using gene therapy to try to protect patients' lungs from potentially fatal damage. They have been shortlisted for a prestigious award medical innovation. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust says public donations for this type of work have fallen in the tough economic climate.
Many disabled people in Blackpool could be left "marooned" in care homes if plans to change the Disability Living Allowance go ahead, an MP claims. The £49.85 a week mobility part of the allowance for working-age people in care, which goes towards trips out, will be cut in the Welfare Reform Bill.
Social care is facing a funding gap of more than £1bn by 2014 in England - a situation which would have consequences for the NHS, a leading think-tank says. The King's Fund analysis predicted councils would struggle to protect home help and care home places as they come to terms with funding cuts.