OAP killed in hospital car park was visiting her sick husband

Published on Friday 24 April 2009 09:52

A GRANDMOTHER who died after being hit by an NHS delivery van in the grounds of Edinburgh's Western General was visiting her sick husband at the time.

Friends and neighbours of Ellen Cornwall, who lived on Dick Terrace in Penicuik, have spoken of their shock after losing a "lovely" and "genuine" friend.

The 77-year-old was struck by the van as it reversed out of an access road just after 2pm on Tuesday. It is thought Mrs Cornwall was on her way to visit her husband, Jimmy, in the hospital.

Work is now under way to boost safety at the hospital following the death of Mrs Cornwall, who had three sons. The announcement came as it emerged that the van which struck the pensioner was not fitted with a reversing alarm.

Plans have been drawn up to turn the exit away from the roadway and create a dedicated pedestrian area.

John Jack, director of facilities at NHS Lothian, said: "The Western General Hospital is exceptionally busy with both pedestrians and traffic and their safety is a key priority for NHS Lothian."

Neighbours of Mrs Cornwall told how she went out of her way to help others.

One neighbour, who has lived on the same street as Mrs Cornwall for over 50 years but did not want to be named, said: "She was a very caring and nice person, and it is tragic that this has happened. I certainly will miss her a lot because we have lived in the same street together since 1952."

Another neighbour, Joseph McKay, 67, who has lived on the street for over 30 years, added: "I'm very shocked and sorry this has happened."

Owner of Styliz hairdressers on nearby Carnethy Avenue, Elizabeth Clark, 52, was Mrs Cornwall's hairdresser for around 30 years. She last saw the grandmother-of-two for her weekly appointment on Saturday – just three days before she died.

"She was such a great person and a nice lady," she said.

Following the accident Mrs Cornwall was rushed to the hospital resuscitation room, but died later that afternoon.

The 22-year-old male van driver was uninjured.

New arrangements will now be drawn up to avoid large delivery vehicles using the route where the incident occurred. In the meantime a temporary walkway has already been created outside the outpatients department at the Porterfield Road entrance.

There is no legal requirement for reversing alarms, but since 2006 all new vehicles over 3.5 tonnes require to have them.