A HOSPITAL has apologised to a woman after a staff sister called her "cock".

Mrs Christine Wilkin-Wyke, 64, of New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, objected to the familiar term of address after being taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary following a serious panic attack.

She said this week: "It wasn't just the word but the way it was said.''

She was treated in the accident and emergency department, where she claims nobody would bring her a cup of water when she asked.

Christine, who has two sons and four grandchildren, said: "I thought I was already being badly treated and when the sister said 'Come here cock' that was it. I walked out of the hospital in disgust. I know all this political correctness can go a bit over the top sometimes and I wouldn't speak to the Queen any different than if I was speaking to my dustman.

"But it was the way she said it that made me mad. She is a sister and shouldn't be able to get away with talking to people like that. I was sick and she was in a position of authority. She has nurses beneath her. What sort of example is it going to set?"

Mr John Dell, Chief Executive of the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust, said: "I am so sorry that Mrs Wilkin-Wyke has concerns about her treatment. Her complaint was investigated by senior staff within the trust and a reply sent to her by myself on 20 February. In my letter, I indicated that the nursing sister agreed that she may have used an informal term to address Mrs Wilkin-Wyke although she could not remember what it was.

"The sister concerned said 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 nurse manager for A and E services, would be more than happy to meet her."

Christine said she still wasn't happy with the reply and wanted the sister to apologise personally in writing.

She added: "I could take this to the top but I don't want to. I don't want blood or for her to kneel at my feet and grovel. All I want is for her to say sorry."