A frail pensioner who spent a week in hospital was discharged and taken home late to an empty flat to fend for herself overnight.
Janet Molyneaux, 81, had been treated for breathing difficulties and a heart problem at Colchester General Hospital.
She had been expected home in Holland Road, Clacton, during the day, but did not arrive until 7pm.
Her carer had waited until 5.30pm, but left thinking the discharge had been put off.
A neighbour had to be called out to let Mrs Molyneux in and no-one had been informed of the delay.
A spokesman for the Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Colchester General Hospital, apologised that Mrs Molyneaux had not got home when expected.
However, he said that she was discharged at 5pm and was taken home by an ambulance vehicle.
Published Wednesday January 28, 2004
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