Basic care given to elderly in hospital 'alarming'

The Care Quality Commission carried out unannounced visits at 100 hospitals to assess dignity and nutrition standards.

It identified concerns in 55 cases, describing the findings as "alarming".

Common areas of concern included a lack of support for those who needed help eating, poor hygiene and curtains not being closed properly.

The inspections were ordered by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley after several highly critical reports by campaigners.