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BBC Radio 4 - News - File on 4 - 25th Anniversary Page 1 of 4
Text only BBC Homepage BBC Radio
A PR~ Radio 4 I I .I,sEo FILE ON 4 Go to the Liste~
Programme Finder: A-Z Transcript of the webchat with Dr James Kennedy, Listen Again Royal College of General Practitioners and Jenny ON/~R NOW Chryss, File on 4 producer. 09:00 - 09:45 What’s On Melvyn Bragg: In Presenter Biogs Audio Help News [ Curr’t Affairs BBC-Host: Hello and welcome to File On 4 Interactive. You Gambling (09/10/ Arts and Drama Linguistic Diversit can send in your questions and comments on tonight’s Comedy I Quizzes (02/1012002) programme to our guest, Dr James Kennedy, speaking on Sperm Donors (2! Science prescribing for the Royal College of General Practitioners, Farming (18/09/2 Religion 1 Ethics Testing in School: and to the programme producer, Jenny Chryss. Party Political Fun History Unfortunately, we won’t be able to discuss individual cases (04/09/2002) Corporate Respon Factual in detail but we will publish a follow-up list of organisations (28/08/2002) which can help with advice on the issues raised in the Alcohol and Socie Services: programme. (21/08/2002) Tickets RELATED PROGI~
Audio Help I FAQs Question-From Isobel Oulton, Cornwall: Recent cases Straw Poll Tour Radio 4 have recently renewed calls for euthanasia to be made legal in this country. How can we ensure that this is not used as DON’T MISS Have Your Say a means of saving the money needed the care of elderly Features patients? Weather
Shipping Forecast Jenny-Chryss: Our programme was specifically looking at MESSAGE BOAR
my BBC cases where people had not expressed a wish to die, and Join the discussio~ who could hope for a reasonable quality of life in the future. The Today Progl Contact Us However, the concerns you raise were also expressed by a there be an auton number of people we spoke to during the making of the an abortion? Today - Your Ch Help programme. As the elderly population rises, this issue will Where you lead tt undoubtedly come more to the forefront of public concern. Radio 4 News - ’ First ’Posh’ now ’E Like this page? should celebrities Send it to a friend! Andrew Caldicott: Newquay, Cornwall. I personally would monopoly over na favour being put to sleep once I have lost the ability to look The Great Deba! Discuss UK politic after myself. We should be glad that people are willing to or take to your so carry out this act of mercy, not prosecuting them. FEATURES
A 19th century cri Question-From Lisa MacMurdie, Director of Action for system trying to s Eileen: I formed Action for Eileen to campaign for century crimes sa improvements in the cancer care of older people, following is he right? Law i the death of my mother five years ago. I would like to know The moors murde when elderly people are going to be treated fairly and how evil was she’., without discrimination because of their age by all members Tonight
of the medical profession and involved, where appropriate, Despite its appea~ in discussions regarding their care and all areas of their modernity, China treatment. Such discussion regarding drugs and food should grip than ever - T reports. From Ou also involve their families, should it not? Correspondant
Jenny-Chryss: Gary Fitzgerald from Action on Elder Abuse says a culture change is needed before the ideal situation http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/fileon4/transcripts/transcript l.shtml 13102/03 HCO005214-0003
BBC - Radio 4 - News - File on 4 - 25th Anniversary Page 2 of 4
yOU ~l~i£;rlU~ f~i::lfl U~ rr~i:lll~5~£1, /-~ IIUITIU~F OI oryz"lfll~i::lLIO[l~ such as his report increasing numbers of calls to their helplines. The doctors we spoke to all agreed that families should be involved, wherever possible, if the patient is not capable. However, the British Medical Association admits there is room for improvement in the way
Question-From John Fearn, Huddersfield: Whist not wishing to undervalue the importance of programmes such as this, is there not a danger of them being an investigative flash in the pan? What evidence exists to show that File On 4 really makes a difference to public opinion and government policy?
3enny-(::hryss: All we can do is highlight and expose issues as we find them. It’s then up to others to consider how, if at all, that evidence we’ve uncovered can or should be used.
Question-From Matt, Brighton: Why are elderly patients more at risk from medication?
Dr-Kennedy: Elderly patients are more at risk from drugs because of declining kidney and liver function which may cause drugs to accumulate in the body. Problems with mobility can be worsened by drugs and the drugs may mask underlying infections or serious disease.
Question-From Phil Thompson1 Sheffield: If we have concerns about a relative who can we talk to?
Dr-Kennedy: All health care professionals have a duty to respond to these concerns under a system called clinical governance. Each organisation will have a clinical governance lead who has a legal responsibility for insuring good clinical standards are followed. Alternatively, speak to the local Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) or Community Health Council. Both will be advertised in local telephone directories and are there to represent patients’ interests.
Question-From James Finch: My mother was killed with a neuroleptic three years ago. Almost overnight, she went from an extremely healthy 80 year-old to someone a destroyed memory, who shook, and couldn’t walk properly. NeurolepUcs are simply neurotoxins and their use should earn a prison sentence.
Jenny-Chryss: The symptoms you describe your mother suffered are similar to those described by other people we have spoken to. Doctors tell us that prescribed correctly, these drugs can be beneficial. Of course they should never be misused, and we are told there is evidence that this OCCU rs,
Question-From Samuel Smith: How often should my GP check on my relative’s medications?
Dr-Kennedy: The GPs’ computer system should monitor if the drugs are being over or under-used, and the GP should ft~rm~llv r~\ti~w ~11 th~ n.~fi~nt¢’ m~arlit-~finn¢ ,~t" I~t p\t~nt http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/news/fileon4/transcripts/transcriptl.shtml 13/02103 HC0005214-0004
BBC - Radio 4 - News - File on 4 - 25th Anniversary Page 3 of 4
six to twelve months - more frequently if the patient’s condition is unstable.
Question-From Rita Basnyet, Boston, USA: This investigation raises alarm bells for me. I currently live in America but am about to return home to the East Midlands to assist my mother in finding a home, How can I be sure I’ve checked out a home and its staff?.
Jenny-Chryss: I think the best start would be to contact the National Care Standards Commission at www.carestandarcls.org.uk who I’m sure would be able to advise you.
Question-From Maria, Cheshire: What can I do to calm down a confused patient other than use medication?
Dr-Kennedy: Place familiar things near them - photographs, possessions, ornaments. Leave low level lighting on at night, ensure there is no loose or unstable furniture near them, and that they can get to the toilet easily and independently. Reduce background noise and ensure they drink lots of fluids.
Question-From Enrico, Lincolnshire: In what cases could anti-psychotic drugs be beneficial in treating dementia?
Dr-Kennedy: Anti-psychotic drugs used in small doses for short periods of time and closely monitored can be helpful in managing exacerbations of dementia due to infection, concurrent illness, change of location or bereavement.
Question-From Mazzy: Sadly, I missed the show tonight. Doctor, coulcl you give me a quick overview of tonight’s programme?
Jenny-Chryss: You can hear it on Sunday at 5pm on Radio 4 when it is repeated. It was about the treatment of elderly people in care homes and nursing homes, and allegations that drugs or withdrawal of food and hydration have shortened some lives.
Question-From Penguin: What can be done for Alzheimers? Are there any new drugs and what is the life expectancy once diagnosed?
Dr-Kennedy: The course, features and duration of Alzheimers can vary enormously between patients. New drugs such as donezapal have been shown to have some benefit in reducing the severity and speed of progression of early Alzheimers.
Penguin: Thanks, Dr.
Dr-Kennedy: Drugs as donezapal are available on the NHS.
Question-From Barry, Hamps: Do you feel relatives sometimes raise concerns over the treatment of their loved http://www.bbc .co.uk/radio4/news/fileon4/transcripts/transcript I .shtml 13/02/03 HCO005214-0005
BBC - Radio 4 - News - File on 4 - 25th Anniversary Page 4 of 4
ones to WOrK OUI: ~:nelr own gUll~:.~
Jenn¥-Chryss: That point was raised by Dr Michael Wilks from the British Medical Association, who says this is a common response to the death of an elderly relative and makes it more important for doctors to respond sympathetically.
Question-From Pauline: You mentioned a report on over- medication of elderly clients. Please advise again the name of the report and where it can be obtained.
Jenny-Chryss: I think the report you are referring to is by the Commission for Health Improvement. It’s on their website which is www.chi.nhs.uk
Question-From Mazzy: Are they currently working on drugs that may cure arthritis?
Dr-Kennedy: Yes. This is a big area of research because an ageing population could make it a very profitable area for pharmaceutical companies.
Question-From Mazzy: Are there any drugs that can help prevent strokes?
Dr-Kennedy: Yes. Stop smoking, drink an occasional red wine, control cholestrol and triglycerides, eat oily fish and at least five pieces of fruit and veg a day. Take a small daily aspirin, control blood pressure adequately with anti-hyper tensives. Finally, if you have a stroke, early treatment in the last first few hours with clotbuster drugs can minimise long-term damage.
Question-From Penguin: Also, I was wondering about homes for the elderly, I have an issue with a family member who is vulnerable but won’t go into a home. She is 98. Im worried the stress will make her ill but alone she is vulnerable
Jenny-Chryss: Try contacting Age Concern on www.ageconcern.org.uk or similar organisations - we will publish a list on the website tomorrow.
BBC-Host: The web chat has now ended. Thank you for all your questions. We will publish a transcript of the chat on the File On 4 website shortly. Goodbye.
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