Nurses 'would not lift my mother'

Nurses 'told patient to shut up'

A Lancashire hospital is investigating a claim that nurses refused to lift a 15 stone (95.25kg) woman into a bed because of her size.

Christine MacPherson, 68, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Friday after a fall at home.

Her daughter Anne MacPherson-Chambers has claimed she and her sister had to move their mother into an accident and emergency bed after nurses refused.

A hospital spokeswoman said it was speaking with the staff involved.

Marie Thompson, from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said she was "extremely concerned" to hear of the complaint made by Mrs Macpherson's family.

"Our aim is to ensure that all of our patients experience the highest possible standards of care and that they are treated with dignity and respect at all times."

If I can pick up my 15 stone mother on my own then I'm sorry, three or four nurses could have picked her up like a feather Anne MacPherson-Chambers, daughter

A meeting has now taken place between the trust and Mrs Macpherson-Chambers.

Once the hospital's investigations are complete the family will be provided with a written response.

"We are unable to comment in detail at this time due to patient confidentiality and because we do not yet have the full facts," Ms Thomson added.

Ms MacPherson-Chambers said she was angry at her mother's treatment by the nursing staff.

"I am mortified that they [the hospital staff] could behave in such a way," she said.

"I look after my mother and I'm on my own. And if I can pick up my 15 stone mother on my own then I'm sorry, three or four nurses could have picked her up like a feather."