THOUSANDS of care homes for children and the elderly in England are failing to meet national standards on handling medicines, a report revealed today.

A review of 16,700 homes for older people, young adults and children found that 2,600 failed to meet medication standards. The National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) said that mistakes in the handling of drugs could lead to life-threatening consequences.

The regulator's report - The Management of Medication in Care Services - found examples of patients being given the wrong drugs, medication being insecurely stored and inappropriate handling by untrained staff. The NCSC said 12% of homes for older people - about 1,500 - failed to meet the National Minimum Standards.