A HOSPITAL has defended its staff after claims a 73-year-old man was left lying on the floor for almost an hour after a fall from his bed.

A spokesman from Southend Hospital said staff are sorry if the Layzell family, who claim care on Rochford ward is not up to standard, are not satisfied but insist every effort is being made to help care for him.

David Layzell was first admitted to the hospital at the beginning of July after suffering from a severe stroke and seizure which resulted in him being put into an induced coma for nine weeks.

The family were told each day to prepare themselves, as things weren’t looking good for Mr Layzell, which particularly took a toll on his son Scott.

The 47-year-old from Southend, said: “It was such a hard time for us, we didn’t think he’d even make it to the hospital and really thought we’d lost him.

“Afterwards, he spent around nine weeks in intensive care, I couldn’t fault them and the care was fantastic.

“Now he’s in the Rochford ward, it’s an absolute disgrace.

“It’s disgusting how they’ve treated him, he just keeps telling me he doesn’t want to be here anymore.”

During his care on the Rochford ward, where he has been for four weeks, Mr Layzell has fallen out of bed twice.

Scott continued: “The first time he fell, we weren’t notified until around six hours later and except from the day that he fell, nobody sat with him to make sure he was okay.

“The second time he fell, his catheter fell out along with his food line. He was left covered in his own urine, absolutely soaked, and when he was finally cleaned up he was left naked on the bed for 40 minutes. Their excuse was that there was a medical emergency both times.

“One of the times he fell, he was also left on the floor for half an hour, and he’s not getting the physiotherapy which he needs for recovery.

“My sister and mum have been there every single day looking out for him, and are distraught. Mum doesn’t need this stress.

“We’ve complained to PALS and had multiple meetings with the ward manager, but nothing is done.” Director of nursing Denise Townsend said: “I’m sorry that Mr Layzell and his family are unhappy with the care at Southend Hospital as we have been working closely with Mr Layzell and his family to address any issues and continue to do so.”