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The Royal Mail has apologised after a postman left a pensioner lying in the snow because he was too “knackered” to help.
Patricia Stewart, who suffers from osteoporosis, slipped and banged her head on Wednesday as she bent over to pick up two parcels left on the doorstep of her home in Bainsford, near Falkirk.
The 72-year-old widow was unable to get up without help and was left lying in the snow as temperatures plummeted to below freezing during the coldest February in Scotland since 1955.
However, when she pleaded with her Royal Mail postman for help he refused, saying: “I can’t help. I’m knackered. Absolutely knackered”. The exchange was captured on a neighbour’s doorbell camera.
The Royal Mail has now apologised to Mrs Stewart and is investigating the incident.
“I couldn’t believe that he walked away and left me and didn’t seek anybody’s help. I’m still in shock,” said Mrs Stewart, who has lived alone since her husband died a decade ago.
The former social care manager has used a zimmer frame since she fell over twice in December. Treatment for her condition has been delayed due to the coronavirus lockdowns.
Mrs Stewart was left crying in the cold after the postman abandoned her.
She was eventually rescued 20 minutes later by Karolina Domska, a 22-year-old delivery driver for Hermes.
Ms Domska got Mrs Stewart up with the help of concerned neighbours, walked her inside the house and called for help. She was treated by paramedics.
“She tried to lift me up but couldn’t so she said she would get help and ran to get help from neighbours,” said Mrs Stewart.
“The neighbours all came out and one of the neighbours, a keep fit instructor lifted me and sat me on the step. I was saturated from lying there that long.”
Scotland is experiencing its coldest February since 1955, with Edinburgh recording -13C and Kinbrace -21.2C last night.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail expect the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times.
“We regularly remind our postmen and postwomen of the important role they play in their local communities.
“We were very sorry to learn about this incident, and for the distress this incident has caused.
“We are in touch with the customer concerned and will be investigating this incident.”
