Gosport War Memorial Hospital: Families' frustration in latest meeting as they search for answers
Families who lost loved ones at Gosport War Memorial Hospital have told ITV News Meridian of their frustration at the slow pace of the police investigation.
It revealed many patients, who were often elderly and vulnerable, were prescribed and given powerful painkillers in a manner that violated medical protocols and standards.
Nearly thirty years after the deaths of their family members, many are still waiting for answers.
For some, the pain is compounded by the fact that they are now the same age their loved ones were when they died in the hospital.
Operation Magenta is one of the largest and most complex police inquiries in UK history.
Led by Det Ch Con Neil Jerome, the investigation is being hailed for its thoroughness, but there is growing concern among the affected families about the pace of progress.
Around 150 serving and retired police officers are working on Operation Magenta.
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, which is managing the investigation, code-named Operation Magenta, previously said 24 suspects were being interviewed, but have now confirmed this has risen to 29.
That includes 24 for alleged gross negligence manslaughter and five for alleged offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
So far, they have assessed more than 3 million pages of documents. This includes the medical records of over 750 patients and taken witness statements from more than 1,150 individual family members.
With nearly seven years having passed since the investigation's inception, many are feeling that justice is taking too long.
Linda Lacey, whose father Vernon Gregory died at the hospital said: "Everything seems to be stuck, that's the only way I can describe it, really.
"And I just feel very sad for a lot of people like myself getting older. I've just lost my sister a couple of weeks ago. And soon people there'll be nobody left in the family to fight for the ones that they've lost."
The son of Walter Wellstead, Tim, said: "Where are we after 27 years, no idea. I've got no idea at all."
Robert Logan, son of Robert Wilson, said: "Next year I shall be the same age as my father was when he died, and that's much the same for many other people in there."
"We cannot provide a timeline for the completion of this inquiry," Jerome stated. "This is a complex case, and we are committed to ensuring that every individual who may have been involved in these tragic events is thoroughly investigated."
The story of the Gosport War Memorial Hospital is far from over, and for those who have waited decades for answers, the fight for justice remains ongoing.
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The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Disabled woman died after carer lost control of wheelchair
McWhannell, of the city's Mount Vernon, ignored a sign which warned against putting wheelchairs on an escalator. Catherine - who had special needs and prone to dizziness - was only held on by McWhannell's one hand as they descended. Catherine sadly fell and suffered a serious jaw injury which affected her breathing. She died in hospital 11 days later after she contracted pneumonia. McWhannell pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to an offence against the Health and Safety at Work Act. Debbie McWhannell pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to an offence against the Health and Safety at Work Act (Image: Newsquest) Sheriff Shona Gilroy tagged McWhannell for six months keeping her indoors between 8pm and 9am as an "alternative to custody." Catherine's brother Donald Muir, 68, and sister Janet Muir, 72, said after the sentencing: "We weren't looking for her to get jailed. "She made a horrible mistake and she will have to live with that for the rest of her days - it should never have happened. "It was a sad loss - she lived 72 years and to die that way is just tragic. It's been a disaster. "I just hope it is publicised so that it doesn't happen again and gives folk a warning about escalators. "We would like carers to pay attention to all signs at escalators - she blatantly ignored all the health and safety regulations. "I can't imagine what was in her head - Catherine was not a wee lightweight and had a bulky wheelchair. "To even attempt to go down an escalator - I can't imagine why, it's shocking." Read More The court heard that McWhannell worked for Inclusion Scotland as as a supported living assistant. Catherine - originally from Dunoon, Argyll and Bute - had significant learning disability and complex care needs. She was non-verbal and suffered from various medical conditions. On the day of the incident, McWhannell had initially taken Catherine up an escalator upon entering the shopping centre. The lift was out of order at the time of the incident. McWhannell and Catherine visited shops for a short period of time before they headed for the exit. McWhannell had a bag of shopping on the elbow of one arm while she held Catherine's wheelchair with her hand. Her right hand gripped onto the handrail of the escalator meantime. Prosecutor Kristina Reilly said: "When the wheelchair with Catherine strapped in began to descend, McWhannell lost her grip completely and the wheelchair tumbled to the bottom. "Catherine also attempted to hold the handrail when the chair began to fall." Janitor David Ayton attended the scene and pressed the emergency stop button. He then tended to Catherine who was "hysterical" with facial injuries and was bleeding from her mouth. McWhannell attempted to assist Catherine but was stated to be "shaken and hysterical" while she apologised to her. Ambulance staff were concerned on arrival about Catherine's lower jaw injury as it could have caused an airway issue. Medics carried out an airway suction on her and took her to hospital for further treatment. Catherine was found to have suffered a fractured left jaw which required surgery which included restoring displaced bones using rods and screws. She also sustained a head injury and was admitted to a high dependency unit. Catherine unfortunately contracted pneumonia and died 11 days later. McWhannell was suspended from her job pending an investigation. The probe found that the escalator had signage which said: "No pushchairs, wheelchairs or bulky loads." Other safer routes of exit were also stated to have been available to McWhannell which included a ramp. Miss Reilly also told the court that McWhannell was properly trained in manual handling and would have been aware of Catherine's care plan. A formal decision on McWhannell's status with the Scottish Social Services Council will be made after the end of criminal proceedings. Ian McCarthy, defending, said: "This was a one-off tragic incident with very serious consequences. "She deeply regrets her involvement in this matter and that it took place. "She travelled with her in the ambulance and spent time in hospital with her and also visited her." Sheriff Gilroy expressed her condolences to Catherine's family at the sentencing. She said: "I imagine the events that led to her death have been utterly heartbreaking. "To her next of kin in court - what happened to your sister was utterly tragic and I understand there is upset and anger at the decision made by Miss McWhannell to take Catherine on an escalator while she was on a wheelchair and prone to dizziness. "Miss McWhannell appears unable to explain her decision and I take that from what she said to the social worker. "It appears that her rash decision making has been profound and long lasting. "This was an isolated incident caused by a dreadful decision made by an otherwise law abiding member of society. "A prison sentence of up to 26 weeks would not help rehabilitation and I am persuaded there is an alternative to custody."
STV News
24-07-2025
- STV News
Disabled woman died after carer lost control of wheelchair on escalator
A disabled woman died after a carer lost control of her wheelchair on an escalator. Catherine Muir, 71, was being looked after by Debbie McWhannell, 33, at Glasgow's Easterhouse Shopping Centre on July 15, 2023. McWhannell, of the city's Mount Vernon, ignored a sign which warned against putting wheelchairs on an escalator. Ms Muir – who had special needs and was prone to dizziness – was only held on by one of McWhannell's hands as they descended. Catherine fell and suffered a serious jaw injury, which affected her breathing. She died in hospital 11 days later after contracting pneumonia. McWhannell pleaded guilty to an offence against the Health and Safety at Work Act at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Sheriff Shona Gilroy tagged McWhannell for six months, keeping her indoors between 8pm and 9am as an 'alternative to custody'. Ms Muir's brother Donald Muir, 68, and sister Janet Muir, 72, said after the sentencing: 'We weren't looking for her to get jailed. 'She made a horrible mistake and she will have to live with that for the rest of her days – it should never have happened. 'It was a sad loss – she lived 72 years and to die that way is just tragic. It's been a disaster. 'I just hope it is publicised so that it doesn't happen again and gives folk a warning about escalators. 'We would like carers to pay attention to all signs at escalators – she blatantly ignored all the health and safety regulations. 'I can't imagine what was in her head – Catherine was not a wee lightweight and had a bulky wheelchair. 'To even attempt to go down an escalator – I can't imagine why, it's shocking.' The court heard that McWhannell worked for Inclusion Scotland as a supported living assistant. Ms Muir, originally from Dunoon, in Argyll and Bute, had a significant learning disability and complex care needs. She was non-verbal and suffered from various medical conditions. On the day of the incident, McWhannell had initially taken Ms Muir up an escalator upon entering the shopping centre. The lift was out of order at the time of the incident. McWhannell and Ms Muir visited shops for a short period of time before they headed for the exit. McWhannell had a bag of shopping on the elbow of one arm while she held Ms Muir's wheelchair with her hand. Her right hand gripped the handrail of the escalator in the meantime. Prosecutor Kristina Reilly said: 'When the wheelchair with Catherine strapped in began to descend, McWhannell lost her grip completely and the wheelchair tumbled to the bottom. 'Catherine also attempted to hold the handrail when the chair began to fall.' Janitor David Ayton attended the scene and pressed the emergency stop button. He then tended to Ms Muir who was 'hysterical' with facial injuries and was bleeding from her mouth. McWhannell attempted to assist Ms Muir but was described as 'shaken and hysterical' while she apologised to her. Ambulance staff were concerned on arrival about Ms Muir's lower jaw injury as it could have caused an airway issue. Medics carried out an airway suction on her and took her to hospital for further treatment. Ms Muir was found to have suffered a fractured left jaw which required surgery which included restoring displaced bones using rods and screws. She also sustained a head injury and was admitted to a high dependency unit. Ms Muir contracted pneumonia and died 11 days later. McWhannell was suspended from her job pending an investigation. The probe found that the escalator had signage which said: 'No pushchairs, wheelchairs or bulky loads.' Other safer routes of exit were also stated to have been available to McWhannell which included a ramp. Ms Reilly also told the court that McWhannell was properly trained in manual handling and would have been aware of Ms Muir's care plan. A formal decision on Ms Muir's status with the Scottish Social Services Council will be made after the end of criminal proceedings. Ian McCarthy, defending, said: 'This was a one-off, tragic incident with very serious consequences. 'She deeply regrets her involvement in this matter and that it took place. 'She travelled with her in the ambulance and spent time in hospital with her and also visited her.' Sheriff Gilroy expressed her condolences to Ms Muir's family at the sentencing. She said: 'I imagine the events that led to her death have been utterly heartbreaking. 'To her next of kin in court – what happened to your sister was utterly tragic and I understand there is upset and anger at the decision made by Miss McWhannell to take Catherine on an escalator while she was on a wheelchair and prone to dizziness. 'Ms McWhannell appears unable to explain her decision and I take that from what she said to the social worker. 'It appears that her rash decision making has been profound and long lasting. 'This was an isolated incident caused by a dreadful decision made by an otherwise law abiding member of society. 'A prison sentence of up to 26 weeks would not help rehabilitation and I am persuaded there is an alternative to custody.' STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scottish Sun
24-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Disabled woman fell to her death after carer lost control of her wheelchair on escalator at Glasgow shopping centre
A probe found that the escalator had signage which said: 'No pushchairs, wheelchairs or bulky loads' TRAGIC DEATH Disabled woman fell to her death after carer lost control of her wheelchair on escalator at Glasgow shopping centre Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DISABLED woman tragically died after a carer lost control of her wheelchair on an escalator. Catherine Muir, 71, was being looked after by Debbie McWhannell, 33, at Glasgow's Easterhouse Shopping Centre on July 15 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Catherine Muir pleaded guilty to an offence at Glasgow Sheriff Court Credit: john kirkby 4 The tragic incident unfolded at Easterhouse Shopping Centre Credit: Tom Farmer 4 Debbie McWhannell tragically fell to her death on these escalators Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing McWhannell, of the city's Mount Vernon, ignored a sign which warned against putting wheelchairs on an escalator. Catherine - who had special needs and was prone to dizziness - was only held on by McWhannell's one hand as they descended. Catherine sadly fell and suffered a serious jaw injury, which affected her breathing. She died in hospital 11 days later after she contracted pneumonia. McWhannell pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to an offence against the Health and Safety at Work Act. Sheriff Shona Gilroy tagged McWhannell for six months, keeping her indoors between 8pm and 9am as an "alternative to custody." Catherine's brother, Donald Muir, 68, and sister Janet Muir, 72, said after the sentencing: "We weren't looking for her to get jailed. "She made a horrible mistake, and she will have to live with that for the rest of her days - it should never have happened. "It was a sad loss - she lived 72 years, and to die that way is just tragic. It's been a disaster. "I just hope it is publicised so that it doesn't happen again and gives folk a warning about escalators. Tragic Accident: Baby Dies After Car Crash Following Beach Outing "We would like carers to pay attention to all signs at escalators - she blatantly ignored all the health and safety regulations. "I can't imagine what was in her head - Catherine was not a wee lightweight and had a bulky wheelchair. "To even attempt to go down an escalator - I can't imagine why, it's shocking." The court heard that McWhannell worked for Inclusion Scotland as a supported living assistant. Catherine - originally from Dunoon, Argyll and Bute - had significant learning disability and complex care needs. She was non-verbal and suffered from various medical conditions. On the day of the incident, McWhannell had initially taken Catherine up an escalator upon entering the shopping centre. The lift was out of order at the time of the incident. It was a sad loss - she lived 72 years, and to die that way is just tragic. It's been a disaster Donald and Janet Muir McWhannell and Catherine visited shops for a short period of time before they headed for the exit. McWhannell had a bag of shopping on the elbow of one arm while she held Catherine's wheelchair with her hand. Her right hand gripped onto the handrail of the escalator meantime. Prosecutor Kristina Reilly said: "When the wheelchair with Catherine strapped in began to descend, McWhannell lost her grip completely and the wheelchair tumbled to the bottom. "Catherine also attempted to hold the handrail when the chair began to fall." Janitor David Ayton attended the scene and pressed the emergency stop button. He then tended to Catherine, who was "hysterical" with facial injuries and was bleeding from her mouth. She made a horrible mistake, and she will have to live with that for the rest of her days - it should never have happened Donald and Janet Muir McWhannell attempted to assist Catherine but was stated to be "shaken and hysterical" while she apologised to her. Ambulance staff were concerned on arrival about Catherine's lower jaw injury as it could have caused an airway issue. Medics carried out an airway suction on her and took her to hospital for further treatment. Catherine was found to have suffered a fractured left jaw, which required surgery which included restoring displaced bones using rods and screws. She also sustained a head injury and was admitted to a high dependency unit. Catherine, unfortunately, contracted pneumonia and died 11 days later. What happened to your sister was utterly tragic, and I understand there is upset and anger at the decision made Sheriff Shona Gilroy McWhannell was suspended from her job pending an investigation. The probe found that the escalator had signage which said: "No pushchairs, wheelchairs or bulky loads." Other safer routes of exit were also stated to have been available to McWhannell which included a ramp. Miss Reilly also told the court that McWhannell was properly trained in manual handling and would have been aware of Catherine's care plan. A formal decision on McWhannell's status with the Scottish Social Services Council will be made after the end of criminal proceedings. Ian McCarthy, defending, said: "This was a one-off, tragic incident with very serious consequences. "She deeply regrets her involvement in this matter and that it took place. This was a one-off, tragic incident with very serious consequences. She deeply regrets her involvement in this matter and that it took place Ian McCarthy "She travelled with her in the ambulance and spent time in hospital with her, and also visited her." Sheriff Gilroy expressed her condolences to Catherine's family at the sentencing. She said: "I imagine the events that led to her death have been utterly heartbreaking. "To her next of kin in court - what happened to your sister was utterly tragic, and I understand there is upset and anger at the decision made by Miss McWhannell to take Catherine on an escalator while she was in a wheelchair and prone to dizziness. "Miss McWhannell appears unable to explain her decision, and I take that from what she said to the social worker. "It appears that her rash decision-making has been profound and long-lasting. "This was an isolated incident caused by a dreadful decision made by an otherwise law-abiding member of society. "A prison sentence of up to 26 weeks would not help rehabilitation, and I am persuaded there is an alternative to custody."
