Staff at a medical centre have been branded "inhumane" by blood test patients following claims they were given no access to water on the hottest July day since records began.

Patients attending Silverthorne Medical Centre in Friars Close, Chingford, on Wednesday (July 1), said they were lucky the elderly and infirm did not faint after being told water was unavailable. 

Jassie Jesmond, 44, of Endlebury Road, Chingford, claimed people "were close to fainting from dehydration" in the waiting room when she visited the centre for a routine blood test. 

She said: "It was the hottest day of the year and many patients had been fasting from 9pm the day before - common sense would dictate to make provision for drinking water. 

"People were looking around for water and were really bemused.

"I watched a lady ask for some water only to be told by the receptionist the fountains had been taken away. 

"She apologised and said North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) had taken away all of the water fountains and vending machines.

"The option of tap water wasn't even discussed. 

"There was a lack of compassion, common sense and understanding from staff. 

"Many people waiting were elderly and disabled. 

"Having no water when it's like a sauna in there and 35 degrees outside is inhumane and beyond belief".  

Landlord of Silverthorne Medical Centre, NHS Property Services, said the provision of drinking water is the responsibility of their main tenant, North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT). 

Nina Aufderheide, of Chingdale Road, also visited on Wednesday and waited over an hour for her blood test. 

"I did not see a water fountain there," she said.

"One gentleman asked for water and was completely ignored by staff. 

"They completely blanked him out, he just sat down and mumbled to himself.      

"I found it disgraceful. 

"Silverthorne is always very busy and staff know people turn up on an empty stomach and have to often wait a long time. 

"I understand staff are under pressure, but they need to understand people might faint.

"It was absolutely packed out, there was nowhere for everyone to sit and it was very warm.  

"They need to provide water."    

A spokeswoman for NHS Property Services, said: "NHS Property Services provides a range of building maintenance and management functions across our estate. 

"However, the provision of consumables such as water coolers in buildings is the responsibility of the tenants."

Temperatures across London peaked at 36c on Wednesday, making it the hottest July day in over a decade. 

NELFT was contacted for a comment yesterday.