Latest news with #Muir
STV News
2 hours ago
- 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
Otago Daily Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Maniototo towns told to boil water until December
A boil water advisory issued for Patearoa and Ranfurly residents will remain in effect until upgrades are completed in December. In a statement this morning, the Central Otago District Council said the precautionary advisory had been issued for residents connected to the Maniototo towns' water supplies, while upgrades were under way for both treatment plants. The council said both towns' water treatment processes used chlorine to remove any risk of bacteria in the water supply, but they did not have a treatment barrier for protozoa - microscopic organisms, such as cryptosporidium and giardia, which can enter the water from animal faeces. If present, protozoa can cause gastrointestinal illness such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Babies, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems are more at risk of illness. CODC Group Manager - Three Waters Julie Muir said the council had approved the procurement of water treatment plant upgrades in January. The new treatment equipment was being prefabricated off-site and would be relocated when ready for installation. The upgrades were expected to be completed by December. She said the treatment plant upgrades included the addition of filtration and ultraviolet treatment systems. "These will supplement existing treatment processes to deliver safe drinking water that meets New Zealand Drinking Water Standards. "The UV treatment will eliminate protozoa risks and the filtration system will improve the resilience of these supplies and enable them to continue operating in a wider range of weather conditions. 'There has been no change to the water supply on these schemes. However, the continued absence of protozoa barriers presents a risk to public health,' Ms Muir said. 'We understand this advisory will be an inconvenience for residents, and council is committed to providing monthly progress updates to the community on the upgrades. "Taking this step will help protect the health of our communities until the new treatment systems are in place. Boiling water is an effective way to remove the risk of illness caused by protozoa.' Health Information The source water for the Patearoa and Ranfurly schemes comes from the Sowburn and Eweburn rivers. These are surface water sources that may be accessed by animals. If animal faeces enter the water, protozoa may be introduced into the supply, posing a potential health risk. Residents connected to the Patearoa and Ranfurly water supplies must boil all water used for: Drinking water Brushing teeth Preparing food Washing fruits and vegetables Making ice, baby formula, juice and cold beverages How to boil water for drinking: Bring water to a rolling boil (where bubbles appear and do not disappear when the water is stirred) for one minute or boil a full electric jug until it switches off. Cool the water (do not use ice cubes to do this) and pour it into a clean container with a lid. Refrigerate until needed. Residents with well-maintained, high-quality cartridge filters followed by ultraviolet disinfection units that supply their entire house do not need to boil their water.
Hamilton Spectator
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Casting call: Amateur chefs in Niagara wanted for Food Network show
Are you a fabulous amateur chef? Are you the host with the most? Food Network Canada is looking for five talented home cooks in Niagara to appear on an upcoming episode of 'Come Dine with Me Canada.' In each episode of the cooking reality show, amateur chefs take turns hosting a dinner party in their home to impress other contestants with their culinary skills. After each dinner party, the chefs rate the dishes, and the highest score at the end of the week will win a cash prize and bragging rights. Casting producer Heather Muir says the format results in a very entertaining program. 'When you get five people in a room, you're going to have great moments … you're going to get lovely flowing dialogue, you're probably going to have the awkward silences,' she said. 'But the thing that always brings it together at the table is the food.' Participants must be at least 19 years old, Canadian residents, and available to film between August and October. They must commit to two full days and four consecutive evenings of filming. 'What we're looking for is people who really love to cook and are confident with their cooking skills,' Muir added. 'We are also looking for people who really like to entertain, to set a table, to invite people into their homes, to set at atmosphere for a great dinner party.' The series debuted in 2010 and is adapted from the British program of the same name. The show previously appeared on the W Network from 2010 to 2014 and included an Niagara episode in 2014. This is the first time the show will appear on the Food Network. 'If you love food and you love a good time, this is the show for you,' Muir said. 'Other cooking shows ask for certain skills, they throw different surprises at you. This is you, in your home, cooking what you love to cook and that's the fun of this show.' The show will appear on the Food Network and be available to stream on Citytv+ later this year. To apply, visit .
Hamilton Spectator
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Food Network show looking for amateur chefs
Food Network in Canada is looking for five amateur chefs to film a new season of 'Come Dine With Me,' set to air on Food Network and Citytv+ in 2025. 'Come Dine With Me Canada' is a competition where each contestant is judged on their ability to host a home dinner party. After each party, meals are rated and the highest scorer at the end of the week wins a cash prize. While filming will eventually take place in one area, all Canadians who meet the following requirements are invited to apply: 'We're planning on going coast to coast,' said casting producer Heather Muir in an interview. 'If we receive some great candidates all from the same city, then we're definitely going there.' The new season aims to highlight 'unique Canadian perspectives' and the many different cuisines that are well-represented in Canada. 'When looking at a specific area, what we're hoping for is that the attributes specific to that area really shine through. Think about what you would get sitting at a dinner dining table in Calgary versus what you would get in Halifax,' Muir said. Visit to learn more about the application process and to submit applications. The deadline to apply is July 25.
Powys County Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Muir ‘very disappointed' bonfire was lit despite warnings over asbestos
Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir has said he is 'very disappointed' that an Eleventh Night bonfire was lit in south Belfast despite warnings over asbestos on the site. The bonfire at Meridi Street, off the Donegall Road, had been the focus of health warnings, political rows and legal challenges throughout the week before it was ignited on Friday. Meanwhile, firefighters said they dealt with a 'challenging' situation on the Eleventh Night across Northern Ireland, including an attack on a firefighter attending a bonfire in Lisburn. Hundreds of bonfires were set alight on Friday ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Saturday. Controversy had surrounded the Meridi Street pyre, after warnings that there was asbestos on the site and that it was close to an electricity substation which powers the city's two main hospitals. In a statement on Saturday, Mr Muir said: 'I am very disappointed with the decision to light the bonfire. 'Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) staff monitored events last night along with statutory partners throughout the night. 'We will be engaging with other statutory partners in the coming days as we all assess the impact of the bonfire. 'NIEA will also focus on the efforts by the landowner to remove the asbestos pile safely from the site in the time ahead and the environmental crime investigation will continue. 'As I have already stated, a review must also be undertaken looking at lessons that can be learned involving all statutory partners.' Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) area commander Andy Burns said they dealt with 277 emergency 999 calls between 6pm on Friday and 2am on Saturday. He said: 'This resulted in our firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. 'Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am. 'During this period, the number of emergency calls received increased by 154% when compared to 2024. 'It was a challenging and extremely busy night for NIFRS with an increase in demand for our regional control centre and emergency response.' He added: 'Disappointingly, a firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty. 'This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening.' Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch said it was 'absolutely disgraceful that a firefighter was attacked while simply doing their job'. He added: 'Everyone should be able to celebrate their culture, but it must be done in a safe and respectful manner. 'Firefighters worked under difficult conditions last night to protect lives, property and infrastructure across the north. 'They deserve our full support and should never face violence for keeping our communities safe.' Meanwhile, effigies of the Irish rap group Kneecap topped a different bonfire in south Belfast, and there was condemnation of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on other pyres in loyalist neighbourhoods. A bonfire at Roden Street in Belfast was topped with effigies of Kneecap, as well as a sign written in the Irish language. A bonfire in Eastvale Avenue in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, featured the group on a poster with the wording 'Kill Your Local Kneecap', seemingly in response to a clip that emerged from a gig in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' There was also criticism of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on a number of bonfires, including one in the Highfield area of west Belfast. A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including a controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which had been widely criticised by political representatives and church leaders after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat. The PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire. The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets. Below the boat were several placards, one saying: 'Stop the boats', and another saying: 'Veterans before refugees'.
