A heartbroken family has hit out over the nursing care their mother received at York District Hospital in the 48 hours leading up to her death.

Pat Stockdale, 77, of St Ann's Court, off Cemetery Road, died in hospital from emphysema, two days after being admitted.

Her two daughters and two sons believe that in the last 48 hours of her life she received poor nursing care and attention.

One daughter, Kath Dunnington, 51, of Aldwark, York, said they were saddened by the lack of support they got and the lack of care they believe their mother received as they said their final goodbyes on Ward 22 on April 20.

They have complained to York Health Services NHS Trust, and although they have received a letter of apology and explanation are still meeting with officials on July 10 to discuss their case further.

Among their complaints are: firstly, a television was put on loudly on the afternoon before her mother's death, which disturbed them. Kath felt her mother should have had her own room long before.

She also said her mother's mouth was not kept clean and moist in the 24 hours before her death and a request for a fan to keep her cool was not met.

The family also complained that they were asked to reduce the number of visitors to their mother. Kath added: "Obviously Mum's family had come to say goodbye to her for the last time. Many had travelled a long way and to be made to feel uncomfortable was grossly unfair."

Trust chief executive Simon Pleydell said the television was turned on to distract other patients from witnessing the family's distress, adding: "I understand that although this was well intentioned, it added to your own distress, and I apologise for this."

Within the next three years patients would have individual televisions and headphones.

He said that a single room was not available until the night before Mrs Stockdale's death, and she was then moved.

Mr Pleydell also apologised for a fan never being handed over.

The trust agreed that the comment about visitors was inappropriate and that guidelines involving people wanting to see dying patients would be changed.

Mr Pleydell said: "I would like to assure you that the care of dying patients and the support we provide to their relatives is something we consider to be a very high priority."

Kath said: "It was a very difficult time for us all and we needed a bit more support. We got this in Mum's final hours with the night staff who treated her and us with respect and dignity, but the rest of the time the hospital let us and Mum down."

Her two brothers, David, 45, and Billie, 44, both from Acomb, have joined in complaining to the trust. Kath said: "I just hope that our story may stop another family from being treated in such a way.

"We should be grieving for the loss of our dear Mum without having to get upset about those last few days."

Updated: 11:06 Monday, June 11, 2001