The family of an early-stage dementia sufferer have hit out at Crewe's Leighton Hospital not providing any TVs for patients at ward bedsides, something the medical facility hasn't offered since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Nub News, the family, who wish to remain anonymous, said the 84-year-old male dementia sufferer also had a UTI infection when admitted to Leighton and wanted to watch TV by his bedside to distract him.

The family said: "He finds so much enjoyment out of watching TV and it distracts him at home with his health not so good, the smile on his face sometimes when watching TV is heartwarming.

Leighton Hospital staff told the dementia patient TVs were removed from wards during the COVID-19 pandemic and were never put back (MCHT).

"After being admitted to Leighton Hospital and lying in bed on a ward stressed and confused for sometime, he requested to pay for a TV at his bedside.

"Hospital staff told him TVs were removed from wards during the COVID-19 pandemic and were never put back so they weren't available anymore to patients. This upset him and it upset us.

"We get this is not the front line staff's fault in any shape or form. They all do a brilliant job.

"But, we question this decision on TVs, especially for people suffering from dementia, who want to try and distract themselves from the health difficulties they are facing.

"We were later told about Leighton Hospital's 'Wi-Fi Spark,' which would have required a personal device bringing to the hospital.

"For someone with dementia, this isn't just as simple as bringing a personal device in.

"Devices such as phones, tablets and laptops confuse him significantly now and he mainly sticks to TV.

The family told Nub News the 84-year-old male dementia sufferer also had a UTI infection when admitted to Leighton and wanted to watch TV by his bedside to distract him (Ryan Parker).

"Some wards have a communal day room with a TV, but they are not good for someone who isn't steady on their feet and likes the comfort of their own bed.

"A TV can simply be flicked on and off with a remote from a bedside at the patient's discretion and they should be available in 2025 at any hospital, please think about people suffering from dementia."

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust defended Leighton Hospital not providing TVs by bedsides, highlighting its Wi-Fi SPARK platform and communal day rooms on the majority of its wards.

A Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson told Nub News: "The comfort and wellbeing of our patients remain a key priority.

"To support this, we offer 'Wi-Fi SPARK,' a free entertainment and connectivity platform accessible via any personal device.

"The TV units used with our previous system were removed as part of the rollout of the new Wi-Fi SPARK system.

"This service provides patients and visitors with free access to over 20 Freeview TV channels, local and national radio stations, and more.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust defended Leighton Hospital not providing TVs by bedsides, highlighting its Wi-Fi SPARK platform, providing free access to over 20 Freeview TV channels, local and national radio stations, and more via personal devices only (MCHT).

"This digital platform enhances patient experience by enabling individuals to watch, listen, and engage with entertainment in a flexible and personal way.

"We understand that not everyone may have access to their own device. To support these patients, the majority of our wards have communal day rooms equipped with televisions for shared use."

READ MORE: Cheshire East hopeful for funding boost in government Spending Review.

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