95-Year-Old Woman Left on Freezing Pavement with Broken Hip for 5 Hours: Ambulance Service Prioritization Under Fire

A 95-year-old woman named Winifred Soanes fell on a cold pavement in Christchurch, Dorset, and waited five hours for an ambulance. She suffered from significant pain and was unable to move after breaking her hip. Multiple bystanders called 999 but were told that Winifred was “not a priority.”

While Winifred lay on the ground, concerned members of the community helped her stay comfortable. They used shoe boxes and a pillow from a nearby pub to prop her head and brought sleeping bags, blankets, and hot water bottles to keep her warm. They also offered coffee and food to her husband, Andrew, who is 92 years old, an army veteran, and diabetic. Andrew stayed by her side during the ordeal.

The ambulance finally arrived at 7:45 PM, over five hours after the fall. Winifred was taken to Poole Hospital, where she remains for further treatment. Unfortunately, Andrew developed a chest infection from the cold and cannot visit her.

Community members criticized the emergency response system, expressing their anger and frustration. Jennifer Baylis, a worker in a charity shop nearby, described Winifred’s pain and vulnerability as she lay on the freezing pavement. David Lovell, the first person to call for help, noted how cold it was getting as evening fell.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service acknowledged the response delay and stated that they aim to meet patient needs but face challenges with handover delays at emergency departments. They are working with NHS partners to improve service delivery. Winifred is now waiting for surgery to address her injuries. Andrew expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time.