I’m seeing a stream of similar cases’

Allan Dyer’s family is being represented by one of the country’s leading legal experts in medical negligence cases.

Sarah Harman, who fought for the families of victims of the Maidstone Hospital C-diff scandal in 2008, believes they have a strong claim. She said: "The care of the elderly in hospitals is far below what they deserve. They go into hospital with a minor injury and never come out."

"I am seeing a steady stream of cases similar to Mr Dyer’s across Kent. The standards of care are very poor indeed." Ms Harman, whose sister is deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, said it was to Darent Valley’s credit that it has already acknowledged some errors."

However, she said: “When the NHS will not fully admit to its failings, making a claim for compensation is the only way to get changes made.

"We are not seeking a large amount of money – it is about settling an issue that has important repercussions for many other patients."

High Profile Lawyer Sarah Harman