STAFF at the Great Western Hospital are in mourning for a casualty that none of their expertise could save – a swan.

The swan, father to a young brood and known by some as Samson or Syd, was put to sleep at a swan sanctuary last Tuesday after being struck by a car in June.

Teri Stevans, spokeswoman for the hospital, said his injuries proved too severe and the hospital received the news last week that he had been put to sleep.

A family of swans has lived in the pond at the front of Swindon’s Great Western Hospital for several years.

The swans have been a regular part every day life at the hospital and many people made inquiries about the animal’s progress.

Ms Stevans said: “We were really sad and sorry to hear that the male swan did not recover from his injuries.

“Everyone was looking forward to the swan returning to the pond and staff are sorry that that now won’t happen.”

A driver hit the bird while it tried to cross the road at the hospital.

It was rescued by the RSPCA then transferred to the sanctuary.

Although the bird had injured its leg and there was bruising, x-rays and examination revealed that nothing was broken.

At the time it was thought that a rapid return to the wild was most likely and that he might not be able to return home.

However, in recent weeks the hospital had actually understood that the swan’s condition had been improving and had expected him to be returned to his family shortly.

Ms Stevans added: “We would hope that drivers would recognise that there is a 10mph speed limit on site and request that people do drive with care and caution not just because of the swans, but for the pedestrians.”

The other swans are likely to remain at the hospital site. The hospital said it believed there were specific rules for swans that prevent them from moving the birds to a safer location.

The Act for Swans 1576, which remains to this day, was introduced during the reign of Elizabeth I and decreed that all wild mute swans in England were the property of the Crown.

The birds are also protected under the Wildlife Act 1981 meaning that touching or picking up a swan can lead to prosecution.