OAP shows true grit in ‘Blitz-like’ A&E scenes

A PENSIONER who was one of over 60 casualties sent to an overstretched A&E after a council failed to grit its streets said the scenes at the hospital were “just like the Blitz”.

RAIN The gritters salt was washed away causing falls RAIN: The gritters' salt was washed away, causing falls

Patients nursing broken limbs and bruises after slipping and falling on ice had to wait up to nine hours as staff struggled to cope with the mounting casualty toll.

Douglas Braidwood, 80, a veteran of the Second World War, compared the scene at the Perth Royal Infirmary accident and emergency department on Saturday to the aftermath of a war-time blitz.

It is believed more than 20 operations were carried out, stretching holiday hospital staff levels to their limits.

Perth and Kinross Council had salted the streets and pavements in its towns, but claims early evening rain washed the salt away before the temperature plummeted and turned thoroughfares into ice rinks.

Mr Braidwood, from Gilmerton, near Crieff, was one of more than 60 people admitted to PRI on the chaotic December 22 morning as a result of falling on black ice.

The former Crieff town councillor is still recuperating in hospital from collarbone and leg injuries. Mr Braidwood said: “I opened my front door and fell down the concrete steps onto the patio. A local GP sent me to PRI as I had a fracture of the femur and a collarbone injury.

“When I got there, the A&E unit reminded me of the scenes after a wartime air raid.”

He added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to express my grateful thanks to doctors, nurses and ancillary services that had to deal with over 60 admissions on Saturday.

“Management, nursing staff and others at the hospital worked all day and night to clear these emergencies.”

Perth and Kinross Council insisted all measures were taken to keep its streets ice free.

But last-minute Christmas shoppers found the conditions treacherous, particularly after rain had fallen on icy ground.

Drivers also found the conditions tricky and there was a 10-car pile up on the A9.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “The combination of rain and freezing temperatures on Saturday are the worst weather conditions to manage in terms of keeping roads and pavements free of ice.

“Rain washes salt away and re-salting can only be effective after the rain has stopped.

“Despite all our efforts, the council cannot keep all roads and pavements free from snow and ice at all times and we would urge the public to be particularly careful in weather conditions such as these.”

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