Liberal Democrat MP, Greg Mulholland, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ageing and Older People and former Liberal Democrat spokesman for Older People has welcomed the launch of a consultation by the Equalities Office on how the ban on age discrimination in the NHS, set out in the equality act 2010, will be implemented.

The recent publication of reports by the British Geriatrics Society and the recent health ombudsman report have suggested that older people do not always receive the same standard of care from the NHS as younger patients. The 2009 Age Review identified a number of areas in health and social care where age discrimination was most likely to occur, and made recommendations on how the ban on age discrimination could best be implemented

Older people will receive new protection from discrimination under proposals published by the government today The Government Equalities Office have launched a consultation on how the ban on age discrimination set out in the Equality Act 2010 will be implemented. The Act will make it unlawful to unfairly discriminate against someone because of their age when providing goods and services.

Greg has been a key campaigner, calling for an end to age discrimination, particularly during his time as the Liberal Democrats Older Peoples spokesperson, but also now as a Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ageing and Older People. Mulholland recently called for a ministerial statement following the publication of the Health Ombudsman’s report of poor treatment of elderly patients by the NHS.

Greg Mulholland commented:

“Having campaigned to see an end to the discrimination against older people for a number of years, I was delighted at the publication of the 2010 Equality Act, which included proposals for a ban on age discrimination

“It was concerning to see the recently published ombudsman report, highlighting poor treatment of elderly patients by the NHS and I raised this matter in the house

“I am pleased to see that the Government have stood firm on their commitment in the Equality Act and now have plans in place to implement the proposed ban on discrimination against older people

“I hope that the publication of the consultation will guarantee a complete end to discrimination against older people, not just in the NHS, but throughout society.”