Google Street view of Darent Valley Hospital. (Google via SWNS) A hospital has apologized after the jewelry of an elderly patient who then passed away went missing - leaving her family upset. Iris Phillips died in Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent in April.
Relatives of the 91-year-old now say their grief has been compounded by the realization that precious heirlooms have disappeared. Mrs. Phillips' daughter Anne Challis, 69, says she has been asking for an explanation from hospital staff for the past three months.
Anne Challis with her mother Irene Phillips. (Anne Challis via SWNS) But it was only this week that bosses admitted the correct procedures hadn’t been followed - and the property was gone. Mrs Phillips had been admitted to hospital after a fall but had gradually deteriorated and within a week her family were told to say their goodbyes.
Anne said her loved ones gathered around her bedside but her daughter was unable to get there from Milton Keynes. She said: “I took a picture so my daughter would see she was not in any pain and looked peaceful.” In the image, Mrs.
Phillips can be seen wearing her bracelet, watch and six rings, which Anne says “she never took off”. She said: “The only time she removed them was when she lost a lot of weight towards the end and we suggested she get them re-sized.” Anne Challis was only given three rings back from Darent Valley Hospital.
(Anne Challis via SWNS) Anne says she had taken her mum’s golden locket home .