[Ethical issues in older admitted patients. Experience in the United Kingdom]

The United Kingdom is a rapidly aging society. More than half of the hospital beds are occupied by older people. They are considering increasingly themselves as able to flourish, enjoying a fulfilling live and with the same rights and dignity than the rest of the population. Keeping independence is one of their main objectives. However, this society realized that the Health Service were outdated and not suited to the correct needs of the elderly. A new organization of the National Health Service, the National Service Framework was developed in 2001 which led to a health and social care more appropriate. New ethical principles as respect to the person, non-discrimination by age and Person Centred Care were focused in this new organization. This means providing the comprehensive geriatric assessment, rationalization of care with the union of social and health services and the pursuit of high levels of quality of care for the elderly. The ethical principles of action with older people also represent standards of conduct for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals aimed at enabling the elderly to make decisions that affect them, to keep their dignity and to be given a fair deal and proper care.