A man has been banned from visiting his elderly mother in a state-run NHS hospital because he has complained about the care she is getting.
George Simpson, 62, has been embroiled in an escalating row with staff over the treatment of his frail mother Morag, 85.
He says he has repeatedly complained about the standard of care and conditions at the Edinburgh community Ferryfield House hospital.
Hospital chiefs have now imposed a two-week ban claiming he was upsetting staff who are “unable to carry out their jobs without fear or intimidation”.
George, from Edinburgh, who insists he is being victimised, said: “What they’re trying to do is discredit me so they can cover up their own shortcomings. It’s absolutely disgusting.
“I am frantic with worry about my mother. She’s not much longer for this planet and I’m having to put up with this garbage.
“I go up and feed her and she doesn’t eat when I’m not there as the staff don’t have the time to sit with her.
“She’s down to six stone and doesn’t have weight to lose. I have no axe to grind with them.
“They are not telling the truth, and making these accusations because they are not doing their jobs properly.”
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Hospital bosses said the visiting rights “suspension” was a consequence of strained relations which stopped staff from doing their job properly.
In a letter, Tim Montgomery, director of operations, said the hospital was prepared to withdraw visiting rights from any relative who is not acting appropriately towards staff.
He said the drastic action follows six recorded incidents since May 2013 when staff perceived George’s behaviour as aggressive.
Only a fortnight ago George said a nurse reported he “deliberately veered towards her in the corridor in a threatening manner”.
Mr Montgomery said: “We cannot tolerate any form of aggression or intimidation towards staff and it is regrettable that after all other attempts have failed that we have had to take this very unusual step.”
In a letter, he added: “While I do understand that you want to ensure that your mother is cared for safely and appropriately and following the assault on her last year, are very anxious about her wellbeing, I believe that our staff are compromised in their care for your mother whilst you exhibit these aggressive behaviours and these need to stop.”
George has been banned from the premises until May 29 and will only be allowed to see his mother following a meeting with the clinical nurse manager.
In the meantime, staff have promised to keep him updated on his her condition and he will be allowed supervised visits if there is any deterioration.
George denies he has been aggressive and is now taking legal advice.
