OAP’s family seek justice for Norma
Woman,79, died after stay inTrossachs hotel
The family of a woman who died shortly after she developed norovirus during a stay at a Trossachs hotel last year hope lessons can be learned following the conclusion of the inquest into her death.
Norma Francis, from Gnosall, Staffordshire, died aged 79 on April 6, 2016, shortly after returning home early from the Loch Achray Hotel due serious gastric illness symptoms.
At an inquest held last week into her death at Stafford Coroners Court, Coroner Andrew Haigh said her death was caused by the Norovirus infection.
The hotel arranged for her and her husband John to be taken home early by taxi due to her illness.
Mr Haigh said that there had been an element of pressure put on the couple by the hotel to return home early to Stafford in a taxi.
There was also no record that Mrs Francis was medically assessed before the journey home.
Upon their return home on April 6, Norma was found unconscious and taken by ambulance to Stafford A&E where she died.
Following Norma’s death, her family instructed laywers Irwin Mitchell’s to investigate what happened to her.
Associate public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Clare Comiskey who is acting for the family, said: “The details heard at this inquest were very upsetting for the family.
“Following this hearing, we are now determined to help our clients get the justice they deserve regarding the many issues which have been identified in relation to Norma’s death.
“It is vital that lessons are learned from this case and it must serve as a reminder to hotels and similar businesses of the importance of always ensuring the safety of patrons is their top priority.”
Norma and her husband John travelled to the Loch Achray Hotel as part of a coach trip arranged through Lochs and Glens Holidays.
They were due to stay for seven days from April 2, but were only three days in when Norma began to develop symptoms.
Norma’s daughter Anne Francis said following the inquest: “We all miss mum a great deal and it has been incredibly difficult to hear of the issues that her and dad faced during their stay at the hotel.
“We are now determined to continue with our legal battle to gain justice regarding mum’s death, but this is undoubtedly about more than money.
“No-one should have to go through the issues that she faced and we are determined to ensure that lessons can be learned so there is never any repeat of these problems. The health and wellbeing of hotel guests should always be top of the agenda for such businesses.”
Neil Walls, managing director at Lochs and Glens, owners of the hotel, commented: “The Coroner’s Report did not make any recommendations about amending the policies we have in place, but we will review the findings to ensure our procedures continue to adhere to the guidelines set out by the relevant public health bodies.”