THE day after an elderly woman collected the ashes of her dead husband, she received a letter asking him to attend a medical appointment. Mary Suthers, 79, of Birchington, said: "It really shook me up and I am still upset about it now.

"You would think a hospital or doctor's surgery would have it on record that he is dead. It's not the first time I have received correspondence for him since he died in January.

"Cars have turned up at the house to take him to a day centre, and a letter for an eye appointment has been sent. I just want people to leave me alone and in peace. I wish they'd understand that my husband is dead, and stop sending me letters and transport for him.

"We led a very self-contained life for many years and I find these intrusions very distressing. When you are left on your own it is difficult enough without having to worry about letters and calls as well. Just when I thought things were going to be a bit more settled and peaceful, this has happened."

Mr Suthers, a former engineer, died on January 1, and was cremated on January 18 on what would have been his 82nd birthday,

He was admitted to the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, with a broken arm, and subsequently fell while trying to get into bed. He was transferred to King's College Hospital, London, for treatment to a head injury, but later died.

A spokeswoman for the East Kent Health Authority said that Mrs Suthers' allegations would be investigated. She added: “We sympathise with Mrs Suthers and we will do all we can to make sure that the right people have been notified.”