Overnight patients at a Black Country hospital’s Emergency Assessment Unit were left without pillows and blankets, it is claimed.

Patients kept overnight in the EAU at Dudley’s Russells Hall Hospital one night last week say they were left stunned when basic supplies like pillows and blankets were like gold-dust on the busy wing.

But bosses at the hospital today hit back saying there was no shortage of bed linen.

One patient, who did not want to be named, said he was left having to use a jacket as a blanket and make do without a pillow, despite repeatedly asking for one.

Other patients were reportedly left trying to search out their own because staff on the unit were too stretched. The patient said: “Having spent time in the EAU overnight I am very concerned at the lack of basic supplies like pillows and blankets.

“Patients were asking throughout the afternoon and evening for pillows and blankets, some got them and others didn’t. When we asked why, we were told there was not enough because it was not a ward.

“I had a very uncomfortable night as I know others did as well. When a lady opposite me was taken away in the morning she handed me her pillow and told me to hold onto it otherwise I wouldn’t get one, which I thought was very sad.

“The staff seemed very, very stretched and were doing the best job they could. If these supplies are available then they need to be made more easily accesible to the staff and patients.”

Associate nursing director Yvonne O’Connor said: “If a patient has experienced that then I am very sorry, but we have not got any issue on the EAU with shortage of bed linen. We have unlimited access to bed linen and things that are needed for patients.

“As with all hospitals we have even got above the level needed to deal with any unprecedented requirement for linen.”