The family of Lorna Loxton, a 55-year-old mother of two from Wells, Somerset, is seeking justice after she died following a fall over a trip hazard outside Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). The incident, which occurred as Lorna was leaving the hospital, left her with a broken hip and fatal head injuries. A coroner is currently investigating her death, and legal action against hospital authorities is being prepared.
Lorna had visited the BRI for a cardiology appointment. As she exited through the hospital’s Level 5 entrance, her three-wheeled walking frame became caught on a protruding metal flap covering a bollard. The fall caused her to break her hip and sustain a head injury. She was rushed back to the hospital for hip surgery, but her condition quickly worsened, and she passed away on January 28, just three weeks after the accident.
The hospital’s incident investigation revealed that the bollard posts were not adequately monitored by estates and facilities staff, and no health and safety risk assessment had been conducted. The report acknowledged that the metal flap presented a significant trip hazard.
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Lorna lived with myotonic dystrophy, a degenerative genetic disorder causing muscle weakness and wasting. Despite her condition, she lived a full life, caring deeply for animals and supporting wildlife charities. Her children, Mark, 35, who also has the condition, and Danni, 30, spoke warmly of her resilience and love.
“Mum was a kind person with a great love for animals,” said Danni. “She couldn’t work for many years because of her illness, but she did her best every day. She was always proud of Mark and me, and loved music, soaps, and Western films.”
The family has expressed concern about communication gaps between the hospital and them after the fall. Danni made regular five-hour round trips to visit her mother but felt medical updates were inconsistent and sometimes misleading. “I was often told she was ‘fine’ on the phone, but when I arrived, she was much worse, attached to tubes and machines,” Danni recounted.
Tragically, when Lorna’s condition worsened, the delay in identifying her status as an organ donor prolonged life support unnecessarily, adding to the family’s distress.
The upcoming inquest is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Lorna’s death. Samantha Griffiths, a senior associate at the law firm Slater and Gordon representing the family, emphasized the hospital’s responsibility. “Hospitals must be safe for people with mobility challenges. This tragic incident has devastated Lorna’s family, and we are committed to helping them get the answers they deserve.”
A spokesperson for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust extended condolences to the family and confirmed cooperation with the coroner’s inquiry, while refraining from further comment during the ongoing investigation.