AN elderly woman who was left outside a York care home and forgotten by carers has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

Patty Longfield, 89, was taken outside in her wheelchair by carers at Woolnough House in Tang Hall, who forgot to bring her back into the building and clocked off.

She was found an hour later having suffered painful injuries after falling from her wheelchair in the incident a month ago.

Her daughter Shirley Barker said her mother has not been the same since the incident and has become withdrawn but she said it is not known whether the pneumonia, for which she was admitted to hospital on Thursday, is connected.

Mrs Barker said: “She had pain in her chest and we thought it was due to a fall but an X-ray showed she had pneumonia.

“I think what happened has affected her.

“She is more nervous and she seems to have changed. I’ve just seen her go down hill.”

City of York Council, which owns Woolnough House, “apologised unreservedly” to the family, who said it is the third time the great-grandmother has been left outside the home – having previously been left outside in rain and snow when she was taken outside for a cigarette.

Mrs Longfield was rescued after an elderly patient heard her banging on the window and raised the alarm.

Mrs Barker said she is waiting until her mother is well to discuss whether she would like to move.

Michael Melvin, City of York Council’s interim assistant director of adult social care, said: “As a priority we carried out an immediate investigation and are confident that all procedures are being followed in the home. We are providing additional support to the resident and her family to whom we have apologised unreservedly. We have also reminded all our homes of the best practice.”

The council would not say whether disciplinary action had been taken regarding the incident.