"THEY were fantastic" – those are the words of the son of an elderly woman who died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, as he praised staff for helping his mother pass away “peacefully with dignity”.

Michael Kent, aged 68, of St Peter’s, said that every single member of staff treated his 92-year-old mother as a priority during her 36-hour stay at the hospital.

Irene Kent, of Perrins House care home in Moorlands Road, Malvern, died from complications due to an infection on Saturday, August 11 after being taken by ambulance on Wednesday, August 8.

She was treated on Avon 3 ward.

Mr Kent, a pilot, said: “I would like to thank publicly every single member of staff who came in contact with her – doctors, nurses and domestic staff alike.

"It would be easy to assume that at the age of 92 she would not exactly be a high priority, but it felt just the opposite.

“They were fantastic. It was marvellous from the moment she got there.

"You could forgive them when it is so busy to not think of an elderly lady as a priority but they made you feel as though she was."

Me Kent added: “The hospital trust may be in dire straits but it is reassuring to know that the professionals at the sharp end can be relied on to carry out their duties with great skill and, just as importantly, great compassion.

“After waiting in the ambulance for around an hour – there was simply no room inside – she was admitted at around 3.30pm.

“She was triaged immediately, and quickly moved into their Major Care Suite.

"The next morning she was moved to the Medical Assessment Unit, and during Thursday night, transferred to Avon 3 ward.

“36 hours later, on Saturday afternoon, she passed away peacefully and with dignity.”

Mrs Kent, who is originally from Manchester, was taken to hospital following three days of deteriorating health.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal, said Mr Kent's praise would be welcomed by staff.

“We would like to thank Mr Kent for his kind words about his mother’s care and pass on our condolences for his loss," the spokesman said. "Our staff across our hospitals work exceptionally hard day in, day out to provide the best possible care to all our patients, and words of thanks are always gratefully received. We will pass on Mr Kent’s comments to staff.”