Because she was not married to her partner John Nelson, Keri de Souza was not allowed to see him in Dryburn hospital when he was admitted after falling into a coma.

According to the hospital's guidelines, only next of kin have automatic visiting rights. Mr Nelson's daughters, who were with him when he died, told the hospital they did not want Ms de Souza to see him.

Campaign

After Mr Nelson's death, Ms de Souza began a campaign to change the hospital's rules. And, backed by bereavement charity Cruse and local MP Gerry Steinberg, she has persuaded the hospital that patients should be able to give a list of people they want to visit them on their admission to hospital.

The case was brought to the attention of health minister Baroness Jay who has recommended that other hospitals should follow Dryburn's example and change their rules.

Good practice

"She has asked the Department of Health to publish the case as an example of good practice," said a government spokesperson.