A HOSPITAL trust has become the first in the region to appoint so-called older people's champions.
Officials at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust are the first in the North-East to take steps to counteract ageism and support older patients.
Nearly 80 champions have been recruited from every trust department.
Hospital bosses said this should mean that no matter where in the trust an elderly person is being treated, there is always someone they can turn to for help and advice.
The champions have received training to allow them to support elderly patients.
Help includes showing people how to operate bedside telephones, providing friendship and listening to them.
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