How saddened I have been to read the reports over the last few weeks regarding the discharge home from Royal Lancaster Infirmary of elderly, infirm, often confused and inappropriately dressed patients.

These fragile people have been bundled in taxis, often at night and in freezing or wet conditions.

There was obviously no thought or consideration to ensure someone was there at their home to help them from the taxi into the safety of home.

For goodness' sake we live in the 21st century in a supposed first world country, not the 18th century.

These elderly people are often very vulnerable, confused and easily become cold. They and their families and carers should be treated with love, empathy and, most of all, respect. They are not empty milk bottles put out for collection.

In light of the recent Kirkup report into midwifery at Barrow, one would think that incidents like this would be a thing of the past. But no, incidents like this occur every single day at most hospitals throughout the country.

The NHS needs to wake up to the fact that across the board it is failing in its ‘duty of care’. It needs to spend more on providing facilities for patients, more hands on core staff and core pathways.

The NHS was initially instituted for free care at the point of need, not to pay huge amounts of money to too many chiefs. How many more incidents like this will occur?

All of us, young, old and in-between need to be treated with dignity, respect, consideration and excellent care while we are at our most vulnerable.

I wonder if Mr/Dr Kirkup is busy right now?

Cath Southgate

Morecambe