The family of a pensioner who died after falling out of a hospital bed have called for investigations into his care.

Dennis Harle was taken to Kingston Hospital after he was found unconscious and severely dehydrated in his room in Abbeyfield care home, California Road, New Malden, where he was a resident.

The 91-year-old, who suffered from dementia, then fractured his hip and had terminal bleeding in his brain, after falling out of his hospital bed, despite his family raising concerns over its height.

Mr Harle’s daughter-in-law Angela Harle said: “He kept trying climb out of bed and I pointed out to the doctor that I was concerned he might fall out.

“Nothing was done and the whole situation makes me angry.”

A hospital spokesman said beds were usually set at the lowest level, but the height was dependent on staff carrying out treatment and that side guards were used in accordance with strict policies.

The spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on Mr Harle’s case at this stage as the incident is under investigation.”

Mr Harle’s family also raised concerns over the care at Abbeyfield, which houses 36 dementia residents, as they said Mr Harle would not have been in hospital if he had been looked after in the first place.

Mrs Harle said: “I have pointed out on numerous occasions that [patients] did not get enough to drink, but I did not realise how badly that could affect him. I did not realise the seriousness of it.

“I think elderly people need to be treated with more respect than this.”

A spokesman for Abbeyfield said: “For the time being we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the case, as the matter is currently under investigation by the relevant agencies.

“We will liaise with the relevant bodies and respond to all enquiries to ensure that the matter is investigated thoroughly.”