FORMER trucker Keith Owen, above, was so sick of the hospital food being served up he decided he would be better off at home.

The final straw for retired Mr Owen was a pre-packed ham sandwich which he claimed was mouldy.

Hospital officials today said they could find no evidence of a mouldy sandwich being served.

But they admitted Mr Owen was once served cold food on ward 108 because of a "communication error".

The 61-year-old said: "I was a wagon driver for 30 years and travelled across the country eating in some rough cafes.

"But the food was never as bad as in the hospital now."

Grandfather-of-five Mr Owen, of Rosemary Place, Sneyd Green, was initially admitted to hospital late last month with dehydration following a hernia problem.

He said: "They gradually started to feed me, but when they brought the Sunday dinner out it was totally cold.

"I went to the nurses and said at least if I go home I will know what food I am getting and I discharged myself.

"I have nothing but praise for the nurses. They are brilliant and working within a very difficult regime."

Mr Owen plans to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) about his concerns. The hospital has confirmed it has taken steps after cold food was once served on ward 108.

A spokesman said: "The trust is sorry for this error and the inconvenience caused on this ward and has taken steps to avoid it happening again."