Hoist-fall tragedy is ruled an accident

A 91-year-old woman who died 10 days after falling from a hoist at a care home died as a result of an accident, an inquest concluded.

Irene Evans, who lived at Parklands Court Nursing Home in Bloxwich, fell from a sling attached to a hoist in January 2007. She passed away 10 days later at Walsall Manor Hospital.

The seven-member jury at Smethwick Council House yesterday returned a verdict of accidental death after nearly two hours of deliberating.

The jury cited a "lack of adequate training procedures" and that the sling, which had only been used once before, had not been through the normal assessment procedures at the BUPA-run home.

Members of Mrs Evans's family wept and hugged each other after the verdict was read out.

Jan Goacher, deputy regional director of BUPA care homes, said afterwards: "This was a tragic accident and I think it's important to know that everybody at the home at the time, and now, is very upset by it.

"Care procedures and policies were and are in place to ensure that Mrs Evans was cared for properly and safely, our staff are qualified and trained care assistants.

"Our policies and procedures in this instance weren't followed, and for that we are deeply sorry. Staff have been deeply affected by it. Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the family," she said.

Yesterday the jury heard evidence from Rosemary Spriggs, a senior care assistant. She told the jury she had bent down to get Mrs Evans's slippers while she was in the hoist, when the 91-year-old fell.

Mrs Evans suffered a 13cm cut on her scalp and bruising to her face. She died on February 10, 2007.

The Health and Safety Executive had conducted its own investigation. HSE inspector Amanda James, said: "We are still reviewing all the original evidence."