Elderly patients told to play tambourine

In this hi-tech age, when help is avaiiable at one's fingertips, the elderly patients at a UK hospital have been given a tambourine to shake and call attention of nursing staff when in need.

The farcical arrangement was put in place at Cardiff Royal Infirmary after more than 30 elderly patients in the west wing complained that they were ‘too scared’ to use the day room in case staff did not hear their  calls for help, reported 'dailymail.co.uk'.

One visitor put the tool given to his aged mother to test. He rattled the tambourine for 16 minutes but failed to attract the staff's attention.

The hospital has apologised after medical authorities described the policy as 'unacceptable' and criticised the hospital officials for not having an alarm system in place.

Ruth Walker, executive director of nursing at the hospital said earlier a hand-bell was provided but it was found to be "too heavy and cumbersome for frailer patients and staff looked for an alternative. Sadly the solution, while well-intentioned, was not appropriate".

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