In a distressing incident that raises serious concerns about emergency service prioritisation, 95-year-old Winifred Soanes endured a horrifying ordeal that defied all expectations of compassion and care. After falling and breaking her hip on Christchurch High Street in Dorset, Winifred was left waiting in the freezing cold for an ambulance for five agonizing hours.

An Army Veteran’s Love and Devotion

By her side, the entire time was Winifred’s 92-year-old husband, Andrew, an army veteran and diabetic. Refusing to leave her in such a vulnerable state, Andrew braved the freezing conditions, his unwavering devotion becoming a poignant reminder of their shared resilience.

Andrew, Winifred’s 92-year-old husband and army veteran, stayed by her side through the freezing conditions. Image source: Jennifer Baylis

Strangers and local businesses rallied to provide comfort, using makeshift items such as shoeboxes, pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, hot water bottles, coffee, and food. While heartwarming, these gestures could not replace the professional medical care Winifred desperately needed.

Systemic Shortfalls in Emergency Services

Winifred’s chilling statement, “I’m going to die here tonight,” spoken as she lay in pain on the icy pavement, has sent shockwaves through her community. Despite repeated 999 calls made by concerned passersby, ambulance chiefs deemed her “not a priority,” sparking outrage and a deep sense of injustice.

The chilling moment Winifred said, 'I’m going to die here tonight,' has sent shockwaves through her community. Image source: Jennifer Baylis

The South Western Ambulance Service later apologized for the delay, attributing the issue to handover challenges at emergency departments. Yet this explanation offers little comfort to those who expect timely and effective care, especially for the most vulnerable.

Key Takeaways

• Winifred Soanes, 95, was left waiting five hours in freezing conditions after breaking her hip, sparking outrage over ambulance prioritisation.
• Her devoted 92-year-old husband stayed by her side as strangers provided blankets, hot water bottles, and other comforts in the absence of timely medical help.
• Emergency services apologised, citing hospital handover delays, but their response failed to ease concerns over care for vulnerable individuals.
• This incident highlights the urgent need for reforms in emergency response systems to ensure timely support for seniors in critical situations.

The harrowing experience of Winifred Soanes highlights the urgent need for action and reform to safeguard our seniors and ensure they receive prompt, professional care when needed. It’s imperative to review how emergency services prioritize calls and address systemic inefficiencies to prevent such incidents in the future.

Here at Seniors Discount Club, we know how critical it is to advocate for older folks. Have you or a loved one faced similar challenges with emergency services? What changes do you believe are necessary to ensure seniors receive the care they deserve? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[cblayney]

It is sad that seniors don't matter anymore.

 

[magpie1]

OUTRAGEOUS.....

 

[HelenFB]

These situations with Seniors should be priority. We have Private Health cover but probably wouldn’t get any better service than the general public without Private Health coverage. This makes us feel so very angry. The Government should step in & take control….. but that will never happen.

 

[Luckyus]

These situations with Seniors should be priority. We have Private Health cover but probably wouldn’t get any better service than the general public without Private Health coverage. This makes us feel so very angry. The Government should step in & take control….. but that will never happen.

Probably to busy looking after illegals?

 

[Penny4]

That's the worst nightmare for old people who fall and break a hip. Especially at 95yrs old.
One wonders why they were out and about in the afternoon with UK's bleak, winter weather, but probably doing Christmas shopping.

 

[Luckyus]

That's the worst nightmare for old people who fall and break a hip. Especially at 95yrs old.
One wonders why they were out and about in the afternoon with UK's bleak, winter weather, but probably doing Christmas shopping.

Migh have gone for a walk to try and kepp warm?

 

[Penny4]

Migh have gone for a walk to try and kepp warm?

Don't know, unless they live near the high street (our main street) where she fell. Hope she will be okay, but not good at that age.

 

[IAN3005]

Probably to busy looking after illegals?

The truth be known.....

 

[Charlotte59]

How very sad that in today's society, an elderly person's suffering is not considered a priority. My heart breaks for this poor lady and her husband, who would have probably contributed a great deal to their community when they were younger. The health care system is failing the vulnerable far too often these days.
I guess it's a case of, when you get a certain age; you've served purpose, now we don't want you anymore, just like a machine or a discarded toy.

 

[IAN3005]

How very sad that in today's society, an elderly person's suffering is not considered a priority. My heart breaks for this poor lady and her husband, who would have probably contributed a great deal to their community when they were younger. The health care system is failing the vulnerable far too often these days.
I guess it's a case of, when you get a certain age; you've served purpose, now we don't want you anymore, just like a machine or a discarded toy.

Yep!!!! that is the case.....

 

[Janice McKay]

DISGUSTING. What this poor woman endured with 5 hours of excruciating pain. Where is the compassion.

 

[Mr Chips]

But here in Australia, we have a different situation. About 3 years ago towards the end of the pandemic, I decided that there was a break in the rain that had pervaded for several days and therefore, I would take my long-suffering dog for a walk. We were about half a km from home at the top of a gentle hill when a delinquent black cloud decided to make a grand entrance and unload its contents over us. Both myself and the dog were saturated. I decided to turn back for home and a couple of seconds later found myself slipping on a very slippery driveway. I fell and my dog was trying to do everything he knew to assist. At 70 years old my bones etc were a little less able to deal with the situation. I was in a seated position and looked down to my feet seeing that my left foot was turned at 90 degrees to the left. I thought well that's not ideal. I could not stand and knew that if I tried I might well do more damage. I tried to get someone driving past (of which there were many) to stop and help but alas no one was interested as it was teaming down with rain. Fortunately, I had my mobile with me so I dialed emergency services they were fantastic at locating where I was and they had a paramedic team to me within about 10 minutes. The paramedics arrived and got me onto a stretcher and into the ambulance very quickly. They also picked up my dog (no mean feat in itself) and delivered him home. They had me in hospital promptly and even stayed with me until I got someone who knew what they were doing looking after me. The end result was a fully dislocated ankle with two fractures requiring 2 plates and 12 screws and pins. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated all the first responders involved including the emergency response phone lady, paramedics, and hospital staff. I wish them all great futures and a very merry Christmas.

 

[sweetbabe37ro]

999 not 000

Migh have gone for a walk to try and kepp warm?

what does it matter why. all that really matters is they shouldn't have had to go through that nightmare