An NHS trust has denied claims by patients that there was no access to water at a blood test centre 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. 

They claimed patients were told by staff in the waiting area, North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) had taken away all of the water dispensers and vending machines. 

Patient's Jassie Jesmond, of Endlebury Road, Chingford, and Nina Aufderheide, of Chingdale Road, Chingford, both witnessed two people waiting ask for some water but were not given any. 

Landlord of Silverthorne Medical Centre, NHS Property Services, said the provision of "consumables such as water coolers is the responsibility of the tenants".

NELFT has said water was handed out to patients throughout last week when temperatures soared above 30c. 

A spokeswoman, said: "We absolutely refute any suggestions that patients who visit the Silverthorne Centre do not have access to drinking water.

"Silverthorne is a building occupied by several different healthcare organisations, all providing different services.

"During the high temperatures over the past week, NELFT staff have been handing out water to patients who have come to the Silverthorne Centre regardless of which organisation the patient is seeing - and we will continue to do so.

"In fact, we have just ordered more plastic cups to ensure we have enough available to continue to give water to patients who are our highest priority."

Both Ms Jesmond and Ms Aufderheide have accused the trust of not being truthful. 

Ms Jesmond, 44, said: "I saw it for myself and it this did not happen, at least when I was there on Wednesday. 

"There was a room full to people that will verify this. 

"I'm not going to sit there and lie on the hottest day of the year - people were on the verge of fainting. 

"I find it astonishing and laughable that they can say water was available. 

"I really do think the practice has to change and the only way of doing it is bringing issues like this to peoples' attention."

Ms Aufderheide, added: "I did not see any water being provided on Wednesday. 

"I know someone was asking and he was blatantly ignored. 

"If there was water jugs, then they could have pointed the gentleman in the right direction." 

NELFT has been asked why there are no portable water dispensers at the centre.