Probe into care home minibus death

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30974922

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An investigation has been launched after a woman was crushed by a runaway minibus in the car park of her care home.

Margaret Jack, 71, was struck by the minibus at the Greencross Care Home in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, on Monday.

She died in hospital on Friday afternoon.

Police Scotland and the Care Inspectorate are conducting the investigation.

Friendly and popular

A spokesman for the facility said: "The staff are completely devastated by this tragic accident.

"Margaret was a very friendly and popular lady who had been with us for many years.

"We have spoken with her family and given them an account of the circumstances."

Mrs Jack was part of a party of three residents who were returning from a visit to a local indoor bowling club on Monday afternoon.

The driver of the minibus was helping another resident into the Care Home on Tabernacle Street when he saw his vehicle running down a slope in the car park.

It is understood another elderly member of the group dashed forward to apply the footbrake but the vehicle ran over the driver and crushed Mrs Jack.

Emergency services were called and both were taken to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride.

Difficult time

The driver is not understood to have been seriously injured but Mrs Jack required life support treatment and died four days later from her injuries.

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said: "This was a tragic and distressing incident and our thoughts are with all affected.

"We have been kept fully informed by the service and have been supporting them at this difficult time.

"Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of service users.

"This matter will be fully investigated by Police Scotland and we will support that investigation.

"Everyone in Scotland has the right to safe, compassionate care which meets their needs and respects their rights."

Greencross is one of a number of care homes for the elderly run by Thistle Healthcare Ltd.