Glasgow carer struck off after losing control of wheelchair and causing death of woman

A Glasgow carer has been struck off the register after she lost control of a wheelchair, causing a woman, who later died in hospital, to fall down the escalator.

Debbie McWhannell was looking after Catherine Muir at Easterhouse Shopping Centre on July 15, 2023.

The carer ignored a sign which warned against putting wheelchairs on an escalator.

Ms Muir – who had special needs and was prone to dizziness – was only held on by one of McWhannell’s hands as they descended.

Catherine fell and suffered a serious jaw injury, which affected her breathing.

She died in hospital 11 days later after contracting pneumonia.

McWhannell pleaded guilty to an offence against the Health and Safety at Work Act at Glasgow Sheriff Court. o July 24, 2025.

She was tagged for six months keeping her indoors between 8pm and 9am as an “alternative to custody”.

The Scottish Social Services Council stated that the behaviour fell into the type of cases “where more serious action is required, as you failed to provide an acceptable level of care”.

McWhannell was removed from the register on April 24, 2026.