Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe has revealed she ended up requiring hospital treatment following an unexpected accident in her home. The incident occurred as the 78-year-old politician attempted to rescue a mouse from her pet cat, resulting in a painful fall on her bathroom tiles.
Unfortunate Tumble During Rodent Rescue
Widdecombe described the chaotic scene that unfolded between Christmas and New Year in a column for Best magazine. "Between Christmas and New Year, I had a fall on my bathroom tiles as I tried to rescue a mouse from my cat," she explained. The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant was assisted by her visiting sister-in-law as they chased the rodent around her home.
"Mice have no sense," Widdecombe remarked with characteristic wit. "Having found a place of refuge, instead of staying in it, they dart out again. No wonder cats find them so entertaining to pursue."
Immediate Aftermath and Delayed Reaction
The rescue mission took an unfortunate turn when Widdecombe slipped on a bathroom mat during the pursuit. "We cornered it, but not before I had slipped on a mat and crashed down," she recounted. Despite the fall, she managed to complete her mission, releasing the mouse outside where it "ran gaily off."
Initially, Widdecombe believed she had escaped serious injury. However, the following day brought significant discomfort. "The next day, I could hardly walk," she admitted. This worsening condition eventually compelled her to seek medical attention at an accident and emergency department.
Positive NHS Experience at Community Hospital
Widdecombe attended Newton Abbot Community Hospital in Devon for treatment, marking her first personal A&E visit in years. Her previous experiences with emergency departments had been less favourable, involving "long queues, dunks, harassed staff, serious pressure" at larger institutions.
Her recent experience proved remarkably different. "There were all of 19 people waiting," she noted approvingly. "The staff were relaxed, cheerful and gave you the impression that they could listen to you all day."
Efficient Treatment and Heartfelt Praise
The Reform UK Immigration and Justice spokesperson received comprehensive care during her visit. "Within three hours of arrival, I had been examined, X-rayed, briefed and discharged with all the necessary information," she reported. "Nothing was too much trouble. Nothing was rushed."
Widdecombe, who served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and later became a Reform UK spokesperson in 2023, offered enthusiastic praise for the healthcare staff. She gave them what she described as a "big shout-out" for their attentive service.
Reflections on Scale and Efficiency
In her column, Widdecombe reflected on how her experience reinforced certain philosophical perspectives. "The sayings 'small is beautiful' and 'all the best things come in little packages' have largely held true throughout my life," she wrote, while acknowledging exceptions like her distaste for nouvelle cuisine.
She drew a direct connection to her healthcare experience, stating: "With the NHS, however, small is beautiful, personal and super-efficient." This positive assessment of community hospital care contrasted with her previous observations of larger, more pressured facilities.
Now recovered and back at home, the former Celebrity Big Brother 2018 runner-up appears to have emerged from the incident with both physical healing and renewed appreciation for local healthcare services, despite the unconventional circumstances that led to her hospital visit.
