THE family of a woman who died three days after being discharged from hospital as “medically fit” say they are still waiting for answers nearly eight months after her death.

Glenda Bunn, 79, was admitted to hospital in January after suffering a stroke. She was cared for for three weeks in Southend Hospital but despite being semi-conscious, unable to eat, drink or walk, she was declared medically fit for discharge on Saturday, January 28.

Her sister, Patricia Putt, said: “My complaint about my sister’s treatment actually goes back four years. She was admitted with pneumonia in one lung but within days she had fallen, broken her arm and leg and her pneumonia had spread to both lungs.

"The pneumonia meant she could not be operated on so she was left in agony for weeks. She was never the same.”

Mrs Putt, 72 of Exmouth Drive, Rayleigh, added: “When my sister was admitted in January this year the A&E doctor told me her system was failing. It was the only time I got an honest answer.

"Despite being unable to eat or swallow any drink and despite the fact she was drifting in and out of consciousness and struggled to breathe, they said she was medically fit to be discharged.

"I can’t fault the care my sister had while she was in hospital but she was not fit to be discharged. She lives in a care home and they hadn’t had time to make provision to look after her in her condition. Less than 72 hours after her discharge the care home called me to come quickly but I got stuck in a traffic jam.

"They had called a paramedic but they said she just turned her head to the side and passed away. There was no dignity in my sister’s death and I haven’t had a single answer from the hospital since.”

Denise Townsend, director of nursing at Southend Hospital, said: “I can confirm we have received a complaint from Patricia Putt.

"I am sorry that Patricia is unhappy with the care her sister received at Southend Hospital.

"Please be assured that we are thoroughly investigating this matter and will invite Patricia to come in and discuss our completed findings with us.”