Darlington man Donald Marshall, 85, previously said he was shocked at a “complete lack of care and attention” from staff after the procedure on October 5.

He told the Echo last week the proceudre was carried out in a small room with only a curtained-off changing area, and that after he was left “soaked” in his own bodily fluid was left “completely on [his] own” with just the gown he was wearing to clean up.

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) has now apologised to Mr Marshall care and has said it will investigate the incident to ensure standards are improved.

Donald Marshall, 85 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A spokesperson said: “We are very sorry to hear that Mr Marshall had a poor experience during his recent colonoscopy at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

“We have spoken to Mr Marshall and his wife and offered our sincerest apologies.

“A senior member of the team will be looking into his concerns in detail to ensure any necessary improvements are made to enhance patient care.”

The pensioner previously said he didn’t have time to raise any issue at the hospital, due to the nurse who looked after him “walking away” directly after the procedure.

A Darlington Memorial Hospital sign (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He also added that he had to drive home from the hospital in his ‘soiled’ trousers, which the pensioner described as a “horrific experience”.

He said he was “astonished” that no effort was made by medical staff to assist him after the procedure or to offer facilities for cleaning himself up.

Mr Marshall added that the incident had left him questioning the culture of care at the hospital and saying he now “fears” going to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Donald was left unhappy with his care at Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Following the ordeal, Mr Marshall said he attempted to raise a complaint through the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), but found it “impossible” to speak to anyone directly.

According to the NHS website, staff involved in endoscopy procedures are required to “follow strict hygiene and infection control protocols, including offering assistance and cleaning materials to patients where needed”.

The CDDFT said anyone with concerns about care is asked to contact their patient experience team, on cdda-tr.patientexperiencecddft@nhs.net or by calling 0800 783 5774 between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.