William Buchanan · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 5 August 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of William Buchanan.

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 1 September 2021.

The conclusion of the inquest was Accident. The medical cause of death was:

1a Pneumonia

1b Left rib fractures

1c

II Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Ischaemic Heart Disease

William Buchanan decided to obtain a Leo mobility scooter under the Mobility scheme. On 7 July 2020, the store manager of Lifestyle and Mobility undertook a home assessment and completed the Suitability Questionnaire. In the morning on 20 July 2020, the mobility scooter was delivered to Mr Buchanan and the store manager completed a one to one handover. Later that afternoon, Mr Buchanan sustained multiple rib fractures when he had an unwitnessed incident involving his mobility scooter, the exact circumstances of which remain unknown, at his home address. He was conveyed to Poole Hospital. Despite treatment, he developed pneumonia and his condition deteriorated. Mr Buchanan died at Poole Hospital, Longfleet Road, Poole at 19.45 on 27 July 2021.

(1) Lifestyle and Mobility completed a home assessment including a suitability questionnaire as Mr Buchanan was obtaining his scooter through the Mobility scheme. If clients purchase a scooter privately, the company has a detailed questionnaire they complete which has been designed in conjunction with the British Healthcare Trades Association. However, I was very concerned to learn that elderly individuals can purchase mobility scooters online or in other stores without any assessment whatsoever being completed to assess their suitability or competence to use one. This gives rise to a concern that future deaths could occur if action is not taken.