The Scottish parliament was yesterday petitioned to stop elderly people in care homes from being given sedation without their consent, it has been reported.

Hunter West from Aberdeen stated that his 90-year-old mother was given 'covert medication' in a move to make it easier for staff to handle patients.

According to the Telegraph, the practice of covert medication is estimated to take place in as many as one in seven care homes in Scotland.

Mr West stated: "I would like Scotland to be the first country in the world to say 'look, this is wrong - it shouldn't happen'."

He added that it was very convenient for staff to conceal medication in order to make residents easier to manage, rather than to help with patients' care.

The Mental Welfare Commission states that covert administration of drugs should only take place after thorough discussion with the patient's family, doctor and chosen representative.