Complaints that a pensioner is receiving "absolutely disgusting" care at Oxford's John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals has prompted an investigation by NHS managers.

Charmaine Taylor claims her mother, Phyllis Dolton, 75, of Rose Hill, Oxford, has been left in a chair by her bed both day and night, often in her own mess, leading to sores across her body.

The 44-year-old home carer, of Ash Grove, Headington, has also accused both hospitals of not washing the great-grandmother, who is still in hospital, or ensuring she is properly fed.

She said: "It's absolutely disgusting and grossly unfair to my mother, who must have been suffering. She's not getting the care she deserves and is being left to suffer the indignity of a lack of privacy that all patients have a right to.

"I've actually thought she'd be better off at home with me and, at one stage, I thought we were going to lose her because it was getting so bad.

"My family is appalled by the situation and it's about time someone showed an interest in all aspects of my mother's care."

Widow Mrs Dolton suffers from a catalogue of illnesses, including diabetes and lung disease, and also has a moderate level of dementia.

She was admitted to the JR with low oxygen levels in September and stayed in a ward on Level Six for three weeks.

Mrs Taylor said: "Patients in the bay with her told us the staff were just leaving her in a chair all day and night.

"She'd been there for so long a fungal infection had caused bleeding sores in her groin, chest and the back of her knees.

"She was moved to Level Seven and a nurse washing her said her condition was the worst she'd ever seen.

"When she was transferred to the Geoffrey Harris Ward at the Churchill it just got from bad to worse.

"On every occasion, except one, for nine days I found her sitting in her own mess.

"One time, the mess was running down her legs, and there was a towel under her feet, so staff were aware of the situation."

Despite complaints to ward staff, Mrs Taylor was often forced to clean and change her mother herself.

She made an official complaint to the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, which oversees both hospitals, and a formal investigation has been launched.

Director of nursing Elaine Strachan-Hall said she took standards of nursing "extremely seriously".

However, although staff were trained in caring for older patients, it could present challenges, "especially when patients don't always accept the care they require".

She added: "Our senior nursing staff are in contact with Mrs Taylor regarding her mother's clinical and emotional needs to ensure she's being cared for in the most appropriate way.

"We'd like to reassure the family that we're investigating this matter thoroughly. Communication is key in situations such as this, where patient needs and circumstances are complex."