A frail pensioner was found covered in her own faeces by a neighbour after medics failed to inform carers she had been discharged from hospital.

Bosses at West Middlesex Hospital are investigating how 89-year-old Gwen Knowles was left to fend for herself at home in Concorde Close, Hounslow, for a whole day until a concerned neighbour discovered her later that night in great distress.

Mrs Knowles, who is virtually blind and can barely walk, was rushed tothe hospital in Twickenham Road, Isleworth, with diarrhoea on Saturday, July 19.

Nurses left a message for her niece, Gillian Celik-Jones, before dropping her aunt home four days later, but they didn't try her work number as requested, nor did they tell carers, who usually visit Mrs Knowles three times a day, that she was back.

Mrs Celik-Jones said: "I couldn't believe they dumped my aunt back home without arranging for anyone to look after her.

"She was very distressed and couldn't make it to the toilet. It should have been clear she needed help. The hospital was very apologetic but I'm worried the same thing could to other people who don't have such caring neighbours."

Mrs Knowles is now recovering at Clayponds Hospital in Ealing while her family try to find her a suitable care home.

A hospital spokesman apologised and said it is carrying out a detailed investigation.