The family of an 87-year-old woman who died from a hospital-acquired infection claims she endured a six-week wait for an MRI scan after being deemed a non-priority. Sylvia Rowe was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford on February 7 with sudden leg and groin pain. An X-ray the next day was inconclusive, and she was told she needed an MRI. However, she waited five and a half weeks on a ward before receiving the scan, by which time her health had deteriorated. She died in March from an infective exacerbation of COPD and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Family's Account
Her son, Ray Rowe, said his mother was able to walk around her home the day before admission. 'She was an elderly lady but not ill. There is no way she would have died,' he said. The family claims that during her stay, Mrs Rowe caught hospital-induced pneumonia, which led to difficulty swallowing, being nil by mouth, and worsened COPD. The MRI eventually revealed nerve damage, but only pain medication could be offered, and she died days later.
Allegations of Neglect
Linda Rowe, her daughter, said their mother repeatedly asked to go home and was told she could after the MRI. The family says several home care plans were prepared but never executed. Mrs Rowe was supposed to receive physiotherapy but had only one session in six weeks. The family also alleges that nurses failed to give medication on time and did not ensure she took her pills, which were often found on the floor.
Formal Complaint
A formal complaint has been filed with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service. Linda said the family is 'heartbroken' and the process has made grieving 'unbearable.' Wendy Jeffery, another daughter, called for better staff training to prevent similar incidents. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said the matter is under review and cannot comment further.
Tributes
Mrs Rowe leaves behind her husband Ron, six children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ray remembered her as someone who 'treated everyone like royalty' and loved cards, dogs, and family. Ron said she was 'the rock of the family.'
