An action plan drawn up after a documentary exposed shocking lapses in care for the elderly has now met all the targets it was set.

Managers at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust developed an older people's strategy following the screening of a Panorama programme in the summer of 2005.

An undercover nurse revealed poor standards on a ward at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, showing elderly patients left to sit in their own urine and not being given water or medication.

The show led to widespread condemnation from patients, relatives politicians and charities.

Over the last 18 months the trust has been using its action plan to bring in a raft of changes and improvements but says it will continue to monitor itself closely in the future.

First up immediately after the programme was shown was a radical overhaul of the management structure of hospital wards and to appoint a clear chain of command.

Staff were given extra training on how to deal with the needs of older patients.

Checks were carried out on wards to make sure procedures were being followed correctly and patients were getting the pain relief they needed.

Matrons and ward sisters became more visible, with their photos and names put on ward noticeboards and contact details of who to speak to if they were off duty.

Notices asking relatives and friends to speak out if they have a problem have also appeared on ward walls.

Older Peopleís Champions have also been appointed to meet with patients, find out their concerns and help them express their views.

There is also a protected mealtimes system, where designated time is set aside each day to focus on making sure patients are able to eat their meal in peace.

There are no visits from doctors or consultants and no external visitors either during this time.

Managers at a trust board meeting this week said although the work set out to be done in the original plan had not been completed, it was not the end of the story.

Director of nursing Alison Roberston said: "We will make sure we continue to make good improvements.

"The older people's champions has been a very positive initiative and the impact is being felt.

"We are also working with researchers and carrying out ongoing training in several areas."