Woman falls and breaks ribs in city

The woman was out alone on a shopping trip one Saturday morning a few weeks ago, when she fell outside a sandwich outlet at Market Square.

A nurse came to her aid before a relative was called and taken home.

She refused to go to the Royal Victoria Hospital and instead waited to attend the Accident and Emergency Department at Lagan Valley Hospital that Monday morning.

The woman who has vision problems, vertigo and osteoporosis was given an x-ray which detected breaks to her ribs.

“We are all devastated,” said her son.

“She would certainly not be keen in coming back into the city centre again.

“The surface that has been put down around the city is terrible.

“My mum is very independent and has never had a problem walking before. It is just ridiculous.

“She is terrified to come back into the city again.

“The surface is so slippery especially when it is wet. Why could it not have just been left alone?

“I know that the work is putting people off going into the city.”

He said that his mum, who cares for her disabled son, has had to get help from the social services.

“Mum has been in a lot of pain and discomfort since this happened,” he said

”She looks after my disabled brother and since her fall we have had to get the social services to come in to help her until she is on her feet again. So this fall has had a knock on effect on all of us.

“It not only affects her life but that of my disabled brother. I also have to take time off to ensure that she gets to her appointments.

“The whole thing has shook her up. She cannot bend and has problems sleeping at night

“Residents should be given assurances that they can walk down the street without falling. As the cold weather sets in this will be a major slipping hazard.”

A spokesperson for Lisburn City Council said that they could not comment further on the matter.