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Tens of thousands back Joanne Fowler's hospital standards campaign

The daughter of a war hero who released harrowing pictures of her father in the final days of his life in hospital reached a milestone in her campaign by handing over her petition to her MP.

Joanne Fowler has been fighting to improve standards in hospitals after finding her father Frank Foster, a decorated Second World War soldier, lying naked in his own waste at Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury.

The 93-year-old great-grandfather was pictured face down on his bed covered in urine.

Joanne Fowler with Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark
Joanne Fowler with Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark

His family say he was stripped of his dignity, and claimed nurses ignored the blind and deaf pensioner, leaving him on a soaked bed battling a brain tumour.

His daughter stepped in and removed his clothing, but said hospital staff wouldn’t help lift and clean him. She was so appalled she took photos and recorded his distressing cries.

Mr Foster, a former soldier, died on June 13, 2014, just six days after his daughter recorded the footage.

This was one of the distressing pictures captured of Frank Foster in agony at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Picture SWNS
This was one of the distressing pictures captured of Frank Foster in agony at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Picture SWNS

An independent investigation found the 93-year-old had received appropriate care from staff, but acknowledged there were three hours where he could have been given more pain control.

More than 41,000 people have signed Mrs Fowler’s petition to have palliative care standards debated in parliament.

She said: “My campaign is very much about change, not blame. My family does not want compensation for what my dad suffered, we want his story to be used for the good of others.

War hero Frank Foster before he became ill. Picture SWNS
War hero Frank Foster before he became ill. Picture SWNS

"I’ve received messages from all over the country from people whose loved ones have had similar experiences, and it’s about time it got debated in parliament.”

Mrs Fowler presented the petition, along with recordings of her father, plus letters from others with similar experiences, to Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, who has promised to present them to Theresa May.

Mrs Fowler added: “Mr Clark has been marvellous, and he offered to give the petition in person to the Prime Minister with the recordings and messages from other people.

"Hopefully this is a stepping stone in the right direction.”

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