Guidelines to tackle ageism in the NHS published on Tuesday have been overshadowed by a "devastating" Standing Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee report attacking the standard of nursing for older people in the country's hospitals.

Pensioners were promised equal treatment in the NHS and social services in the new government guidelines and the health secretary, Alan Milburn, pledged £120 million in extra funding over the next three years to increase the range and number of operations offered to people over 65.

The new framework will focus on cutting age discrimination, promoting an active healthy life for pensioners and improving care - including mental health and stroke therapy.