by Rachel Hovenden

An ex-serviceman who experienced the horrors of Bosnia and helped bury hundreds of children in the country has said his treatment in a Kent hospital was worse than in a war zone.

Professional bugle player Darren Riley visited Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, with bowel problems.

When the 37-year-old arrived at the A&E department, he asked to use antibacterial handwash - and says he was told to go to the toilets to use some.

Mr Riley, of Butcher Walk, Swanscombe, said he went to the toilet and found it dirty. He then went to get a blood test and claims the nurse refused to wear gloves.

Mr Riley said: "When I got to the toilets there was urine-soaked tissue on the floor along with faeces on the lower section of the wall to the toilet.

"Then the nurse took my blood for a blood sample and she refused to wear gloves.

"I am an ex-serviceman. The hospital was worse than treatment in a third world country."

Mr Riley, a member of Dartford’s British Legion, suffered heavy bruising after the nurse took his blood.

He added: "I asked the reception at the hospital for a complaints form and she said 'I haven’t got time for that.'"

"i am an ex-serviceman. the hospital was worse than treatment in a third world country..." – david riley

Mr Riley had visited the Darenth Wood Road hospital at about 8.30pm last Monday.

A Darent Valley Hospital spokesman said: "We would like to thank Mr Riley for bringing his experience to our attention as it gives us the opportunity to improve our services. We are sorry that he felt that there was a lack of hygiene in the A&E department.

"Hand gels are available at every patient’s bedside where they are proven to be most effective.

"We do encourage patients and visitors to wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water, which remains the best defence against bacteria.

"The toilet areas are cleaned regularly, four times a day. Like many other public toilets, they are open to abuse and can be left dirty shortly after they have been cleaned."

Darren Riley was treated at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford

He added: "Gloves should have been worn by the nurse and we will be looking into why this did not happen on this occasion.

"We will also be reminding staff of the importance of wearing gloves when examining patients.

"We take all complaints seriously and we will be looking into all of the points that Mr Riley has raised."