The family of a frail pensioner has criticised a mental health charity for deregistering him from their care home while he was in hospital without them having a say.

Reg Nicholas had lived at Scope’s Lingfield Avenue residential home in Surbiton for 10 years until he was admitted to Kingston Hospital on October 18 after falling out of bed and injuring his leg.

His family were then told he could not return to Lingfield Avenue, because his health needs were too complex for the service to safely support him.

But his niece Jennifer Nicholas said: “I think it’s awful the way Scope have gone about this.

“If they felt my uncle had complex medical problems why not tell us six months ago? They’ve never said anything about it to us.”

Mr Nicholas was due to move to Coombe Oak care home in Kingston on Thursday.

Scope area manager Mick Burgess said: “The gentleman is a much-loved resident, who has lived at Lingfield Avenue for many years.

“Sadly, because his health needs are becoming increasingly complex, Scope and Kingston social services have made the difficult decision that our service is no longer able to safely support him.

“The council has found him a new home, which is better equipped to provide the right support for him, as his needs continue to increase.

“This decision has not been taken lightly.

“He will be greatly missed, and we would also like to ensure that he is able to continue to see his friends, and get a proper send off, when he is settled into his new home”.