THE daughter of a Sidcup pensioner claims she had to wait a “nightmare” six-and-a-half hours to get her mother home from Darent Valley Hospital.

Elaine Kettley, 45, was by mum Jill Kettley’s bedside when she was discharged after a two week stay in Palm ward at Darent Valley suffering from atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart rhythm.

The 71-year-old had received “brilliant” treatment but everything was spoiled when the private company meant to be providing transport finally sent a van at the fourth time of asking, according to daughter Elaine.

She says the vehicle, which had to be equipped specially so her mother could be given oxygen on the journey, had to be diverted from Maidstone and eventually arrived at 10.15pm on August 14 ready for the nine mile journey to Mrs Kettley’s home in Sidcup Hill.

Elaine Kettley told News Shopper: “It was an absolute nightmare. We had one extreme to the other: exceptional care to that ridiculous wait.

“I just can’t believe what happened. We got home at 11pm and the last time my mum had anything to eat was 5pm.”

NSL Care Services took over all patient transport in Kent and Medway on July 1 this year.

Spokeswoman Dr Belinda Webb said: “Unfortunately, due to the late demand and higher than expected volume of discharges on the day in question, Mrs Kettley was delayed.

“We have written to Mrs Kettley, as well as her daughter, to offer our sincere apologies and to let them know that we are continuing to work on improving our service and that we’re sure they’ll see a marked improvement very soon.”

Have you, a friend or a relative had similar problems with patient transport? Post your comments below.