The British Geriatrics Society is calling all healthcare professionals to review the Gosport Independent Panel Report, and to learn from these shocking events which led to the deaths of over 450 patients who were given opiate painkillers “without medical justification” from 1989 to 2000 at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Hampshire.
The Inquiry found there was a “disregard for human life” and an “institutionalised practice of shortening lives” at the hospital. In response to the Inquiry’s findings the Society is also calling for increased knowledge of best practice and clinical guidelines, especially in relation to prescribing and pain management in older people. The Society fully supports the families’ ongoing quest for truth and accountability.
Dr Eileen Burns, President of the British Geriatrics Society commented:
“It is a sombre day for all healthcare professionals caring for older people. We must diligently read this report if we hope to learn from these tragic events and prevent future tragedies. We urge regulators and the wider health and care system to do the same.
The Society will continue to strive to ensure that older people receive high quality healthcare, regardless their situation or clinical diagnosis.
Our sympathies lie with the families at this difficult time, and we hope Inquiry’s findings will help them to gain the answers they seek.”
British Geriatrics Society 
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