Harold Gordon Henshall · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 10th April 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Harold Gordon Henshall, aged 86 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 29th April 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision. The medical cause of death was 1a Pulmonary thromboembolism with pulmonary infarct 1b Suspected deep vein thrombosis II Immobility resulting from traumatic subarachnoid and epidural haemorrhage, haemorrhagic brain contusions, fractured ribs and fractured right scapula.

At approximately 7.30pm on 17th February 2013 at A53, Church Street, Leek, Staffordshire, adjacent to St. Edwards Church this elderly man with limited mobility that required the use of a stick to assist with walking left St. Edwards Church. His intention was to cross the road from the church to the nearby car park. As Mr Henshall crossed the road from the church towards Market Square he was in collision with the front nearside of a vehicle travelling in the Macclesfield bound lane. Mr Henshall suffered multiple injuries and following treatment at the scene was admitted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire as an emergency. He remained gravely ill and died at 8.10am on 27th March 2013 at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

a) That the level of street lighting on Church Street, Leek in the vicinity of St Edwards Church is inadequate generally and particularly on the nearside of the Macclesfield bound carriageway. Evidence at the inquest from local residents familiar with the location and police evidence suggested that the street lighting was poor and patchy, thus increasing the risk to pedestrians who choose to cross the nearby car park upon leaving church. It is particularly relevant to church users who are predominantly elderly.

b) That the crossing facilities available on Church Street, Leek in the vicinity of St Edwards Church are inadequate generally but with particular reference to church users who are predominantly elderly. This is mindful of:-

i. the gradient of the road in both directions from the church to the nearest pedestrian crossing facility.

ii. The interference with visibility caused to drivers in the Macclesfield bound direction by the gradient of the road and, particularly at night, the lights of on-coming vehicles.