An 87-year-old woman waited 12 hours "slumped" in her wheelchair in Southend Hospital's A&E department, her daughter claimed today.

Frail Rosina Seaby was left wearing her pyjamas and without being fed - as she waited for a bed, Karen Seaby said.

Disgusted - Karen Seaby is furious that her mother, Rosina, was left waiting 12-hours in A&E before she was given a bed Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

The pensioner was finally moved to a ward at around 1am, 12 hours after she arrived at the hospital in an ambulance with breathing difficulties.

Mrs Seaby, who has arthritis and cannot walk unaided, was later found to have a chest infection.

The hospital, in Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff, has launched an urgent investigation into her treatment.

Mrs Seaby, 57, who lives and cares for her mother full-time at their home in Leighwood Avenue, Leigh, said: "I'm disgusted. I got to A&E about an hour after she arrived and she was in the waiting room slumped over her wheelchair fast asleep and in her bed clothes."

Her daughter added: "Luckily my mother is very forgetful so she can't really remember anything about it."

Mrs Seaby is now at home after a two-week hospital stay.

John Crofts, the hospital's general manager for admissions and emergency services, said: "I was extremely concerned to hear about the problems experienced by this lady during her stay in our A&E department.

"I am investigating the points that have been raised as a matter or urgency."

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003

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