In a devastating case of hospital neglect, 90-year-old Harry Dickinson died after falling from a trolley in a busy corridor. Despite needing constant one-to-one care for suspected dementia, staff left him alone overnight at Chorley Hospital. This tragedy has sparked outrage over patient safety in the UK’s strained NHS.
Harry’s Emergency Admission
Harry Dickinson, a retired farmer from Coppull, Lancashire, arrived at Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital on December 18, 2024. He was bleeding from his mouth while on blood-thinning medication. Staff from Springfield Nursing Home rushed him to A&E for urgent treatment.
The hospital was extremely busy that night. As a result, Harry stayed on a trolley in the corridor. His care plan clearly required one-to-one supervision at all times. However, no staff watched over him overnight.
The Fatal Fall in the Morning
Early the next morning, Harry became increasingly agitated. Alone and confused, he tried to climb off the trolley. He fell hard, suffering a traumatic intracranial haemorrhage.
Tragically, Harry passed away two days later on December 20, 2024. His family was left devastated. Harry had lost his wife Alice, a retired milkwoman, the year before. The couple shared two sons, Graham and Neil.
Coroner’s Verdict on Preventable Death
An inquest on November 6, 2025, revealed shocking details. Area Coroner Kate Bisset issued a narrative conclusion. She confirmed Harry died from injuries in the trolley fall.
The coroner noted his suspected dementia and the busy A&E environment. “Mr Dickinson required 1:1 care but shortly before handover to day staff, was left unattended,” she stated. “In the time he was unattended, Mr Dickinson attempted to climb off his trolley and fell.”
Crucially, she ruled his death was contributed to by being left alone despite clear care needs. This finding highlights a preventable failure in basic patient protection.
Hospital Apology and Promised Changes
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust runs Chorley Hospital. Following the inquest, a spokesperson offered sincere condolences to Harry’s family. They apologized for the failings in his care.
The trust welcomed the coroner’s scrutiny. It has already begun implementing lessons from the inquest and internal reviews. Officials promised to update the family on safety improvements. These steps aim to ensure vulnerable patients receive required supervision.
Calls for Urgent NHS Reforms
Harry’s story exposes deep issues in emergency care. Overcrowded corridors and staffing shortages put elderly patients at risk. Families demand better resources and stricter enforcement of care plans.
This case joins growing concerns about trolley waits and neglect in UK hospitals. Experts urge immediate action to protect those with dementia and mobility issues.
What changes are needed to prevent such NHS tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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