“I need to eat.”

These were Kathryn Adams’ last written words believing there was no vegetarian menu at Darent Valley Hospital.

Kathryn, who was awaiting a blood transfusion at the hospital, voiced her distress in a patient questionnaire.

She died days later of an extremely rare heart condition.

Her devastated mum Ann, from Wilmington, found Kathryn’s sad words among her daughter’s belongings.

The discovery has prompted Mrs Adams to contact Darent Valley Hospital, which has promised a full investigation but insists it does offer vegetarian options.

In a statement chief executive Mark Devlin said: "We are seriously concerned that these options were not made apparent to Mrs Adam’s daughter whilst she was on the unit and this will be raised by the Head of Dietetics as part of our ongoing monitoring of the catering service."

Mrs Adam’s daughter, a land contamination officer and vegetarian for more than 20 years, was originally admitted to Darent Valley Hospital for a blood transfusion.

But the hospital diagnosed a rare heart condition called endocarditis and Kathryn was transferred to Kings College Hospital in London for further treatment.

She sadly died four days later on June 18.

Mrs Adams said: "Kathryn would have wanted me to do this. I’m doing this for Kathryn but I am also doing it to help other people."

Mr Devlin added: "We strive to provide the highest quality of care possible at Darent Valley which includes the catering arrangements.

"It is of great concern to hear that a patients experience has been less than satisfactory."

Mr Devlin, who has received Mrs Adams' letter, will respond with the hospital's findings.

For the full story see this week's Dartford Messenger