On August 9 I had a stroke and was left mute and paralysed on the right side of my body. I was taken to Worthing Hospital in Lyndhurst Road.

I wheeled myself out of the hospital on August 16, still unable to walk or speak correctly.

This letter is to explain why.

Firstly, I was taken as an emergency and needed an MRI scan. I still haven't had a scan but I did meet a young lady who had a headache and who did have a scan.

Secondly, I am a diabetic and was fed food by the hospital not suitable, although it was marked suitable.

Thirdly, this was during the hottest weather in England and no-one bathed me for five days. I have a diabetic fungus on both my scalp and my body which needs daily washing.

This fungus is contagious. Finally, my ward had one toilet 50 yards away and no showers, while the baths were full of medical equipment and on the door was an "out of order" notice.

The nurses had a cold water machine (not the patients) and cooled themselves in the heat with electric fans while the patients stifled.

I complained to the doctor, who told me I could pay to go private.

Since returning home I have been helped by social services who gave me a seat for my bath and the Red Cross which has lent me a wheelchair.

Friends have brought me fresh food I can eat. My wife now provides old-fashioned nursing care.

I have good quality of life at home which contrasts with the other stroke victim admitted at the same time as me. He's still in hospital and his wife says he has bed sores.

Without hope of a recovery, it would have been kinder to let me die rather than be a vegetable in hospital.

I look forward to the future and hope this letter will make things better for other stroke victims.

-Peter Baxter, Southwick