ACCORDING to a new report, 15-minute “flying” care visits are on the increase with patients often forced to choose between staying thirsty or using the toilet.

Data obtained from 63 local authorities by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability found three-fifths now commission 15-minute care visits to the elderly or disabled.

The charity also estimates the proportion of visits that last 15 minutes or less has risen by 15% over the past five years, despite “major concerns” the short visits “deprive” people of essential care.

Every day, many disabled and older people in the UK receive personal care; it is disgraceful to force disabled people to choose whether to go thirsty or to go to the toilet by providing care visits as short as 15 minutes long.

The Welsh Government and Welsh councils should have a good long look at the social care which they provide the elderly and disabled.

Andrew Nutt Heolddu Road Bargoed