I agree with you and I will complain . First by phone on Monday and then follow it up in writing.Oh Sue, I am so sorry to hear your bad news. I too would be very cross. When I lost Dad last year the nurses were aware that I live 200 miles away and would bend the rules when I travelled down to Wales to see him.
When the time is right I think you should put pen to paper and write a complaint - there are official channels regarding complaints these days and I think this point needs to be raised in order for such petty rules to be changed.
My sincere sympathy xx