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Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 18:00
Bob Gregory said he was nearly strong-armed out of Prince Philip Hospital as he tried to fill out complaint forms at his father's bedside.
Hospital bosses have apologised for the incident.
"I couldn't believe it when a nurse came up to me and demanded that I hand the papers over to her," said the 60-year-old, of Tan y Graig Road, Llanelli.
He said the nurse told him that as he was not registered as his father's next of kin, he was not allowed to bring documents into the hospital for him to sign.
"I said she had no right to take them and when I refused to hand them over, she called security on me," he added.
"I'm not easily intimidated but when they came to the ward and I realised that was the way it was going to be, I left of my own accord."
Mr Gregory said his dad, William, a former Commando sniper who had escaped capture during active service to continue fighting again, had been reduced to tears by his treatment.
"My father was a war hero, he more than did his bit for his country, but when I visited him he was crying in frustration," he added.
Mr Gregory said he had wanted to log a complaint about his father's faulty hearing aid. William Gregory has had his legs amputated and has little sight, and his hearing aid is his only connection to the outside world.
A Hywel Dda NHS Trust spokeswoman said: "We are unable to go into specific details about this case due to patient confidentiality, but apologise if there have been any misunderstandings.
"Patients are free to sign documents at their own discretion unless a Protection of Vulnerable Adults Order or Mental Health Order is in place.
"Complaints processes are part of the mandatory staff induction system, and ongoing complaints training is available for staff, including nurses."
She said security had been called to prevent the situation escalating and added Mr Gregory will receive an official letter of apology from the hospital.
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