WIRRAL South MP Alison McGovern has quizzed the Prime Minister over how he plans to improve care for dementia and Alzheimers sufferers.

Following a survey earlier this year which showed low staff morale among the borough’s hospital staff, Miss McGovern at Prime Minister's Questions asked David Cameron what the re-shuffling of the NHS will mean for older people.

The Labour MP fears that elderly patients, especially those with dementia and Alzheimers, are not being cared for with “real dignity.”

And Miss McGovern believes that staff engagement is the way forward to improve services in Wirral.

She said: “The care of older people in hospital has been something that is a real priority for me.

"I feel it is a problem that there is not enough dignity and respect for people with dementia and similar conditions.

"I don’t blame the staff at all if they don’t feel motivated or that they’re not getting support from management but you have to ask yourself what is the Government doing about it?"

She added: “The reorganisation that is going on at the moment is about handing power to GPs but that says nothing about the quality of care given in hospitals.

"The key is to engage with staff more and listen to what they have to say.”

In response to Miss McGovern’s concerns, the PM said the Government is trying to forge better links between the NHS, social service provision and local authorities.

He said the changes should be focused on providing “alternative pathways of care” for older people who need it.

Results from last year’s Care Quality Commission review, which involved workers across Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals, highlighted problems in communication between staff and management and a general feeling of being unable to develop their potential.

It also rated lower than the national average when workers were asked if they would recommend the Trust as a place to work or receive treatment.

Miss McGovern concluded: “Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals give some amazing care on many occasions but my concern is that that is not always the case.

"I am hearing from my constituents about patients being moved several times during the night and not feeling comfortable.

"We need to make sure that absolutely everybody receives the highest quality of care.”