Stanley Hines says he had to cry out to attract attention from staff

Nearly three weeks ago, Stanley Hines was taken to Torbay Hospital by ambulance.

But once inside, the 77-year-old said he was kept on an uncomfortable trolley for up to eight hours and left unattended on a commode for up to 45 minutes.

The hospital said it was investigating Mr Hines' complaint.

Very upset

Mr Hines, from Torquay, said he had to cry out to attract attention and it was the worst experience of his life.

"I think I deserved a great deal better," he said.

"I am not a person that demands very much, but I couldn't get any respect there, let alone anything else."

Mr Hines suffers from severe emphysema and only 20% of his lung capacity is working.

He relies on a supply of oxygen to breathe properly.

Dave Hines (right) said his father was upset by his experiences

Mr Hines's son, Dave, said his father did not have enough to drink while he was in the hospital.

He said he was given a cup of tea at one point during his stay, but it was taken away quickly before he could drink it.

Dave Hines said: "A consultant more or less implied that, due to the various infections that were doing the rounds, it would be best if my father went home."

Mr Hines said his father was very upset by his experiences.

"He felt there was a lack of dignity - that he was treated like a commodity rather than a person."

A hospital spokesperson said they were aware of Mr Hines' complaint and an investigation is being carried out.

But the hospital said it could be a week or two before it found out more.