A recent Supreme Court ruling that backed a London council's decision to withdraw a stroke survivor's overnight care could be used as an example to deny more people of care, it has been claimed.

Elaine McDonald, a former ballerina who needs to use the bathroom at night following a stroke, appealed against the Royal London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's decision not to provide her with night-time care.

The move meant she had to use incontinence pads or incontinence sheets at night, despite not actually suffering from adult incontinence.

But Ms McDonald lost her appeal by a majority of four to one in the Supreme Court - a ruling that could make the practice more widespread, according to Debbie Yarde, chair of the Association for Continence Advice.

Ms Yarde told the Nursing Times: "Needing to go to the toilet in the night is a basic human need. There are serious implications for quality of life and dignity."

The expert added that other public bodies could use Ms McDonald's case to justify similar decisions.

Last week (July 6th), the charity Age UK expressed disappointment at the decision.

Charity director Michelle Mitchell observed: "Care should not be just about keeping people safe. It must enable them to live dignified and fulfilled lives."