THE son of a poorly Preston pensioner faces a bill of £45,000 for using a hospital like 'a hotel'.

Tom McCaffery, aged 88, suffers from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and has stayed at Sharoe Green Hospital, Preston for more than a year, despite being discharged four months ago.

His son Peter has been told by Trust bosses that his father is using the hospital like a hotel and as such 'he could be regarded as a trespasser and liable to eviction'.

They say the RAF veteran - a former deputy headteacher at English Martyrs school, Preston - no longer needs medical treatment and is not entitled to free hospital care. Peter is being charged £230 a day but so far refuses to pay the total bill of more than £45,000.

Peter said: "My father needs help washing, getting out of a bed or chair, and eating. Sharoe Green staff have been fantastic providing exactly what my father needs. He is as happy as he can be. If the hospital comes up with a care plan to put into practice in a nursing home that matches or betters the care he receives now, I'll accept it."

A spokesman for Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said Mr McCaffery's son was offered alternative Social Services support for his father at home but he refused.

"Throughout, the Trust has made the interests of Mr McCaffery the paramount consideration.

"But the Trust must recognise its obligation to other patients."

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