For every ten elderly and stroke patients in hospital, four were administered drugs incorrectly, with a new study showing nurses, even under observation, were giving wrong doses, at wrong times and even using the wrong drug. Throughout the research, on more than one occasion the observer had to intervene to prevent harm, suggesting more training and education for nurses is essential.

The study has shown that patients with swallowing difficulties were three times more likely to experience errors. Previous research has suggested that patients with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) spend 40% longer in hospital than those without.

The most common error involved patients being administered medicines at the wrong time not considered a problem if you're suffering from a simple headache, but agony for those suffering with a serious disease. Patients with Parkinsons could end up not having their symptoms adequately controlled, leading to being unable to move, walk down the corridor or even getting out of bed.

Crushing tablets for patients was another frequent error being made a simple mistake that results in the dose being absorbed too quickly which could have serious consequences; mixing medications together for ease could have an adverse effect on the patient, as well as not ensuring the tubes are flushed between administrations and using the wrong syringe.