THE family of an elderly woman who was in a hospital ward during an outbreak of a sickness bug have complained about the way she was treated.

May Pearce, 88, was transferred to Christchurch Hospital for rehabilitation on October 11 after initially being admitted to the Royal Bournemouth following a minor stroke and a fall.

Within days, she came down with norovirus and was placed in a side room.

But son-in-law David Banks claims that after recovering from the bug, she was not given any therapy, leading to a worsening of her condition.

Because of visiting restrictions imposed to try and stop the spread of norovirus, the family held off going on to the ward for five days, during which time Mrs Pearce had another fall.

"We could see a deterioration," said Mr Banks. "For three weeks she was pretty much in bed. On more than one occasion May stated she would not get better in there. The food in the main was poor and she lost 7lbs."

Eventually Mrs Pearce discharged herself and is now staying with her daughter and son-in-law in Bournemouth.

A hospital spokesman said: "J Ward at Christchurch Hospital was closed to visitors, because of Norovirus, from October 25 to November 6. The ward is now fully open.

"All patients who need to receive ongoing physio or occupational therapy during this time would do so.

"At times when a patient is unwell or medically unfit this is suspended until they are fit to receive treatment again.

"The trust has received a letter from the family saying they would like to make a complaint. As this is ongoing we cannot make any further comments."