"Lack of basic care for my father"

My father, who was terminally ill with cancer, was admitted to Leighton Hospital following unexpected paralysis to his legs due to cancer compressing his spine.

The care and treatment that ensued was appalling for a man at the end of his life. It is worth noting that at this stage he was able to talk although in desperate pain.

1. The sides on his bed were left down and he fell out of bed. The staff suggested they were left down due to agitation and he may try and climb over them. This is a man who is paralysed from the waist down, 8 stone wet through and dying.

2. To alleviate the excruciating pain he liked his legs elevated. There was no stool available and a small coffee table and pillow had to be brought in from home. This went missing and only found and replaced when we complained some hours later.

3. Due to his late admission, this terminally ill man was given a salad for his meal. A salad for a man who requires a high nutritional intake - the reason given "well he wasn't here to order". Not good enough in my view.

4. He needed his ileostomy bag changing - we were informed that there were none available so it couldn't be changed. We had to return home to fetch one so this could take place.

5. He was left for a long time in urine and only changed when the family did it. This is a man with pressure sores.

6. Pressure care - there was no air mattress available upon admission. Given the targets and reporting to safeguarding around pressure sores this should have been a priority. These were Grade 3 pressure sores.

Needless to say we discussed his discharge and his right to die at home cared for by his family, which happened. This exceptionally brave and proud man passed away on 27th August. Much thanks to the District Nurses and MacMillan Nurse, his last days were pain free and dignified.

I would like to add that I am a senior NHS manager and I am aware of the Mid-Staffs report and the Francis Enquiry. I suggest that the Chief Executive of this Trust takes notice of this case and ensures that the Board commence their walk rounds and takes notice of the lack of basic care.