"Next of kin for elderly stroke victim"

Misdiagnosis in A&E delayed treatment, exposing patient to risk. A&E staff heavily overloaded, run off their feet. On transfer to ward, almost impossible to get informationa about patient's condition. Patient effectively written off by staff as not responding to treatment. Fluids and food withdrawn without consultation with patient's family. Minimal care provided to patient in end of life phase. The staff cannot be blamed - they are working as hard as they can. The hospital needs radical reform of its services.