Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Edith Millington

Ref: 2026-0183 Date: 27 Mar 2026 Coroner: Andrew Bridgman Area: Manchester South Responses identified: 1 / 1 View PDF

The structure/design of the store's access ramp is unsafe, because it is not fixed to the ground, the rubber mat is not fixed, there are no easily accessible handrails, and the ramp is too short, making the slope steeper.

Date 27 Mar 2026

56-day deadline 22 May 2026 est.

Responses identified 1 of 1

Other related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

View full coroner's concerns

The evidence, today, of your store supervisor was that the ramp remains exactly as it was on the day of EM’s fatal accident. It is my opinion that the structure/design of the ramp makes it unsafe. In particular that the ramp itself is not fixed or secured to the ground (not even semi-fixed so that it can be removed at the end of the day), that the rubber mat is not fixed and can easily move (as seen), there are no external easily accessible handrails, and the ramp is too short making the slope steeper.

The issue of concern is that unless action is taken to render access to the store by way of a safer design of ramp then there is a high risk of a customer, particularly a customer with mobility issues, suffering a similar and fatal fall as EM.

Responses

1 respondent

Sai SKN Ltd

6 May 2026 PDF

Action Taken

• The metal access ramp has been completely removed. • The entrance has been restructured to eliminate the previous ramp arrangement and replaced with a small, stable step. • Additional fixed grab rails have been installed on both sides of the entrance. (AI summary)

View full response

Dear Mr Bridgman, Re: Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths - Edith Millington We write in response to your Regulation 28 Report dated 27 March 2026. First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Edith Millington. We are deeply saddened by the circumstances of her death and have carefully considered the concerns raised within your report. We can confirm that this is first and last incident happened since we took overthe business and the access was installed by previous owners of the business and not aware of any incidents happening or noted any concerns with access by any customers. Following a full review of the incident and the issues identified, with further consultation and input from from Trafford Council we have taken immediate corrective action in respect of the entrance to our premises. Specifically:
• The metal access ramp referenced in your report has been completely removed.
• The entrance has been restructured to eliminate the previous ramp arrangement and replaced with a small, stable step.
• Additional fixed grab rails have been installed on both sides of the entrance to provide improved support and stability for customers entering and exiting the store. Warning signs in place to remind about the step and reflectors have been sticked on the wall to warn customers about the step.

These changes have been implemented to ensure a safer and more secure access point for all customers, particularly those with mobility difficulties. We believe these measures directly address the risks identified in your report regarding instability, gradient, and lack of accessible handholds. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for all customers and will continue to review our premises and procedures to ensure appropriate safety standards are upheld. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or wish to discuss the action taken.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 16.10.25 an inquest was opened into the death of Edith Millington who died at Salford Royal Hospital on 09.09.25. The inquest concluded on 24.03.26.

Medical Cause of Death 1a) Traumatic Intracranial Haemorrhage

2) Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

The conclusion was one of

Accidental Death

Circumstances of the death

EM was a 90 years old, fairly independent, lady who had some mobility issues but was able to get out and about in the community on a mobility scooter, coupled with the use of a walking stick.

On 09.09.25 EM can be seen on CCTV footage arriving outside the PK Convenience Store, 25 Croft Bank Road, Urmston. The said store is owned by SAI SKN Ltd. EM can be seen getting off her mobility scooter and with a walking stick in hand attempts to enter the store, when she falls striking her head.

The store has, at its entrance, a metal ramp said to be present to enable access for wheel users. The width of the ramp is door-width and it is circa half that in depth, which makes quite a slope. The ramp is not fixed to the ground as it is removed each night. On top of the ramp is a rubber mat which is not fixed to the ramp. There are no handrails on the outside of the door frame. The handrails, I was told, are about 6-9 inches inside the doorway.

The CCTV shows EM stepping on to the ramp one foot at a time. As she attempts to move off the ramp into the store she holds on to the door frame, it seems that the handrails are too far away. As she does this she appears to lose her balance and then the rubber mat moves, although it may be that the mat moves first, at this point she is unable to steady herself holding on to the door frame with one hand and falls to the ground.

I understand that this incident was reported to you. I have no doubt that you would have requested sight of the CCTV footage.

Action should be taken

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent the risk of future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.

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Report details

Reference: 2026-0183
Date of report: 27 March 2026
Coroner: Andrew Bridgman
Coroner area: Manchester South

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 1

All listed responses identified

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 22 May 2026 (estimated).

Sent to

Sai SKN Ltd

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.