THE distraught family of a 95-year-old woman in hospital have not seen or heard from her in two weeks. 

The family of June Haggis, who has dementia, say they are at their wits' end as they have not received any news about her since she went into Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

They have been unable to see the vulnerable grandmother since she fell on September 1 and they say staff have not given them updates over the phone.

Grandson Matthew Lewis said: “My mum rings every other day and is always left feeling frustrated and angry as the person on the phone at the hospital has no idea about how Grandma is getting on.

“Not one member of our family has been allowed to visit which we find really upsetting.”

Ms Haggis fell at her apartment, part of Cherry Orchard extra-care scheme in Pershore two weeks ago.

She was taken to the Royal that same day.

Mr Lewis added that patients with needs are entitled to a visitor and believes his grandmother must fit this definition, having been diagnosed with a type of dementia two years ago.

He visited the hospital on Saturday September 11 to drop off a care package and was annoyed to see more mobile patients meeting with visitors outside the ward.

He said: “The security seems to only be tasked with keeping the wards safe and locked down and not concerned with what is going on outside the main entrance. 

“Many of the patients and visitors were hugging and exchanging kisses, which I understand, but when you have a very sick, very confused, loved one trapped on a ward with no contact with the family that they spent their lives devoted to, it makes me wonder why the trust has adopted this frankly abhorrent and emotionally straining policy on visitors.

“I understand family want to see their loved ones but why should they be treated differently to those who are unable to leave their beds?”

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’re sorry to hear these concerns from Ms Haggis’ family. 

“Along with most other hospitals, our restricted visiting remains in place to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and communities. 

“We understand how difficult it is not being able to freely visit your loved one in hospital at this time. 

“As a Trust we are facilitating compassionate visiting – including for patients with dementia - and ward staff will be happy to arrange this directly with families and carers.”