Margaret Holgate Selby, 61, who has multiple sclerosis fell getting into a wheelchair at Taiora QE II Recreation and Sport Centre and broke her hip.
She said the brakes on the wheelchair failed. Ms Holgate Selby spent two and a half weeks in hospital. A steel plate and four screws were placed in her hip and as a result of the injury, she is no longer able to drive.
She believes the brakes lifted as she sat in the chair, moving the chair backwards and causing her to fall onto her hip.
City council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox said a review of the incident identified “a potential flaw in the wheelchair’s braking system.”
Mr Cox said the review also investigated how the wheelchairs were being used.
“Initially we mitigated the risk of similar incidents by instructing users how to use the wheelchairs within the parameters of the design,” he said.
“Later we organised the install of an enhanced brake design from the manufacturer. The brakes have been improved so this incident cannot happen again if used in the same way.”
Said a city council health and safety report: “I have tested the other chairs (same design). People with less strength in their legs normally drop into a chair or seat. This is how these brakes can release. When engaged the brakes lock even tight if pushed forward but will release if pushed backwards.”
WorkSafe New Zealand was notified of the incident and was satisfied with the actions taken by the city council.
A WorkSafe New Zealand spokeswoman said the injuries sustained by Ms Holgate Selby did not meet its threshold for an investigation. The file has now been closed.
The unique ‘wet wheelchairs’ were rolled out in October to allow disabled swimmers to use the chairs in the pools.
