Widow visits health bosses

As reported previously, care worker David died after contracting the MRSA superbug following a routine operation to have a chest drain fitted.

The minor procedure was carried out while he was in his bed on the Tressell ward in conditions Marion described as 'worse than a public toilet'.

She believes she could claim damages from the hospital, but instead wants the money spent on cleaning up the premises and providing sterile areas for minor operations.

Speaking about next weeks meeting with chief executive Kim Hodgson, she said: "I want the hospital to apologise to me.

I am not after money. My husband was treated badly and the hospital contributed to his death."

Mrs Ham, of Amherst Road, Bexhill, has already met with director of nursing Cathy Stone and discussed the issue of specialist treatment rooms.

She learnt that most wards had treatment rooms, but historically they had been used for storage or extra bedspace. However, recent policy, which was now being reinforced, was that they should be used for the purpose intended and maintained appropriately.

"The fact that they are pushing the use of the treatment rooms shows I have raised an issue of valid importance," said Mrs Ham.

The treatment room on Tressell Ward was too small to accommodate a bed and a room relocation was being looked into there, she added.

Mrs Ham hopes to discuss the treatment rooms and the general cleanliness of the hospital as well as other issues relating to her husband's care at next week's meeting.