A GRIEVING son was asked for his dead mother's signature before a hospital would start an investigation into a complaint about her care.

Mark Layland contacted Worcestershire Royal Hospital after his mother Eileen died after a routine hip replacement operation.

He received an e-mail from the complaints department asking him to provide his mother's signature.

"I was just aghast," he said. "I sat there for a while just thinking I don't believe this. It adds insult to injury."

Mrs Layland, aged 75, of St Andrews Road, Malvern, was sent home shortly after surgery, despite living alone and having difficulty walking. She went to stay with a relative, aged 77.

Complications arose and Mrs Layland went into a coma and died on April 13, less than a month later.

Mr Layland of Lambourne Close, Ledbury, felt the post-operation care was unacceptable.

"It seems ridiculous to have an operation performed and then screw it all up," he said. "It's just a waste. I feel my mother had a good 10 years left."

A Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust spokesperson said it apologised.

She said that, while it is necessary to gain written consent to access medical records, they should have asked for written consent from the next of kin and not Mrs Layland.

"The member of staff concerned is an experienced and trusted employee who has apologised to Mr Layland and his family for her error and the distress it has caused.

"Mr Layland's concerns are being looked into and we will respond directly to the family," she added.