The hospital's statement

The treatment of Rose Addis, 94, was defended by the Whittington today. Chief executive, Trevor Campbell Davis, said in a statement: "The headline and lead story, Abandoned in Casualty, in yesterday's first edition are factually inaccurate and wholly misleading.

"It is clear that Mrs Addis received prompt and appropriate treatment from the time of her arrival on 13 January.

"She was not 'abandoned in casualty', and she did not wait three days for an NHS bed. She was not left 'caked in blood'. Mrs Addis was seen promptly after her arrival on Sunday morning, and her wound was cleaned and dressed.

"It could not be sutured for some hours because it continued to bleed. In the meanwhile, she was cared for and given lunch. The A&E staff were concerned that Mrs Addis was confused and agitated, and she was therefore put in a bed, in a single room in the department.

Staff continued to keep her under observation, as appropriate following a head wound. On Monday morning, she was less agitated, and was moved to a bed in the (separate) A&E ward.

If the doctors had thought it appropriate, Mrs Addis could have been admitted directly to a ward when she arrived on Sunday. Beds were available, but our staff judged it appropriate that she should be kept under observation until they were satisfied with the improvement in her condition.

"Mrs Addis was not left unwashed or caked in blood. Her head wound had continued to bleed, and had to be cleaned both before and after suturing on Sunday.

"It was important to keep the wound dry, and it would not have been appropriate (for example) to wash Mrs Addis's hair until the wound had healed sufficiently.

"However, the staff nurse caring for her continued to wash her face and care for her appropriately, although Mrs Addis did refuse to allow staff to undress her until her daughter arrived, two days after her arrival. The patient has since continued to be most particular about whom she will allow to care for her. Mrs Addis is continuing to receive good and appropriate care, and I hope will soon be well enough to leave hospital."

The NHS reality