Stagecoach has promised to investigate after a 91-year-old Loop passenger from Broadstairs suffered injuries when the bus driver pulled away sharply.
Mrs Bailey caught the bus from Westwood to Margate at around 11,40am on October 9 but says as she boarded with her shopping, the vehicle pulled away and she fell into the handrail before landing on the seats reserved for elderly and vulnerable passengers. Unfortunately no-one came to Mrs Bailey’s aid.
Her injuries required hospital treatment, with a severely bruised shoulder and fractures to Metacarpals 4 and 5 on her left hand needing a metal splint to hold her fingers in place.
Confidence knock
Mrs Bailey’s daughter Alison said: “My mother is a very independent woman and an active member of the community, gardening with the Town Team in Broadstairs and attending exercise classes
“This accident has caused her difficulties carrying out day to day activities, including dressing, washing and operating household appliances.
“It’s affected her confidence and she’s barely ventured outdoors since. Fortunately I live nearby and I’m able to assist my mother. I dread to think what would happen to someone if they didn’t have family and friends for support, which is quite often the case when you’re 91 years old.”
The accident was reported to Stagecoach. In response to the family, the bus company said: “We’re truly sorry to hear about what happened to (Mrs Bailey) during her journey, and we completely understand how distressing this must have been.
“No one should have to experience that while travelling with us. We take incidents like this very seriously, this has been referred to our local operations team who will investigate the matter fully with the driver involved.
“While we’re unable to share specific details of any internal action taken, please be assured that this is being dealt with appropriately and as a priority.”
Mrs Bailey and her daughter Alison say they found the response from Stagecoach inadequate.
Alison added: “It was after receiving the statement that I decided to contact my Broadstairs KCC councillor Mr John Finch, who acted swiftly to enable further engagement.”
‘Considerate attitude’
Cllr John Finch said: “I was sorry to hear of the accident Mrs Bailey had experienced and the injuries she sustained, together with the lack of a proper response from Stagecoach.
“Fortunately accidents like this are rare, but that’s little compensation to Mrs Bailey.
“I contacted Stagecoach on her behalf expressing my concerns at their lack of compassion and urgency to a serious accident.
“This would have be disturbing for anyone to have to endure, let alone someone aged 91.”
Stagecoach has since provided Mrs Bailey with contact details for its insurance partners to enable a claim.
Mrs Bailey says she hopes her experience may lead to bus drivers taking a more considerate attitude to all passengers or for further training to be undertaken if required.
Cllr Finch says he has since visited Mrs Bailey, adding: “I hope the gift of flowers goes some way to helping Mrs Bailey recover and she’s back continuing to help the community soon.”
