HOSPITAL bosses have apologised for being too familiar with a patient after she complained that a ward sister called her "cock".

Christine Wilkin-Wyke of New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, said she was shocked and offended that she was addressed in such a manner when she attended the accident and emergency department at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

She complained to Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care NHS Trust and has received an apology from acting chief executive John Dell.

The case comes eight months after ambulance crews were told to be careful how they addressed patients after a complaint from a man offended at being called 'mate'. An internal consultation was also launched into other words like 'pal', 'love' and 'duck' to see if they caused offence.

Mrs Wilkin-Wyke, 64, said: "I want to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else."

The widow, who has two sons and four grandchildren, was taken into hospital by ambulance after suffering a panic attack on January 9.

She says she has had several attacks since suffering a nervous breakdown in 1998.

She said: "I asked the sister for a drink of water. Then she said 'right cock, follow me'. It only struck me later that she had called me 'cock' and I did not appreciate it.

"I will not be called 'cock', which is not a nice term, by anyone in authority and I saw red.

"I had had a massive panic attack and was terrified. I was ill and I wanted treating with the respect I deserved.

"I don't want her to get on her knees, but I want a personal apology from the sister."

A letter from John Dell, acting chief executive, said: "(The sister) agrees that she may have used an informal term to address you but cannot remember what it was.

"There was no intention to be disrespectful towards you and if this has caused you offence she would like to apologise."

Today, Mr Dell said: "I am sorry that Mrs Wilkin-Wyke has concerns about her treatment in the accident and emergency department.

"Mrs Wilkin-Wyke's complaint was investigated by senior staff within the trust and a reply sent to her by myself on February 20.

"The sister concerned has said that she had no intention to be disrespectful to Mrs Wilkin-Wyke and my letter indicated that she would like to apologise for any offence caused.

"I would like to reiterate this apology to Mrs Wilkin-Wyke and suggest that if she wishes to discuss her concerns further then Mrs Hurley, our matron for A and E Services, would be more than happy to meet with her."

The use of the word 'cock' as a term of affection dates back to Saxon times. It was used then to indicate a natural leader, an early riser or a lusty individual.