2 People Injured After Car Hits Eden Valley Medical Centre with Nurse Over Drink-Drive Limit
A registered nurse has been banned from driving after crashing into the wall of a medical practice in the Eden Valley while over the legal alcohol limit.
Carla Earnshaw, 39, of Great Strickland, drove into the wall of a surgery in Shap on the late morning of Friday, May 8.
Two people inside the building suffered minor injuries and were checked over by paramedics at the scene.
The wall of the practice dispensary was also damaged.
Earnshaw later admitted driving with alcohol above the legal limit at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
Police Called to Medical Practice
Police were called to the medical practice at around 11.30am after a silver MG HS Trophy vehicle collided with the building.
Prosecutor George Shelley told the court there had been a report of a vehicle crashing into the wall of a medical practice, causing damage and minor injury to people inside.
Following the crash, the surgery had to put its business continuity plan into action.
An NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board spokesman said the practice offered a reduced service and used alternative premises for around a week while the site was assessed and made safe.
Driver Was Over Legal Alcohol Limit
Earnshaw was arrested after the crash.
She was found to have 62 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35 micrograms.
The court heard she had a previous drink-driving conviction from 2024. She had received a two-year ban in that case and had her licence returned last year.
Defence Says She Was Remorseful
Defence solicitor Carl Millar said Earnshaw had drunk wine the night before the collision.
He said she had got up early and had gone to collect a prescription while driving an unfamiliar car.
Mr Millar told the court she was “extremely remorseful”.
The court also heard Earnshaw had worked as a registered nurse in an NHS dementia care home in West Yorkshire before moving to Cumbria with her family.
Her employer had indicated they would be willing to keep her on, although this would also depend on any regulatory process linked to her fitness to practise.
Mr Millar said Earnshaw had sought help for alcohol-related issues, including counselling and therapy.
Three-Year Driving Ban Imposed
District Judge Philip Holden banned Earnshaw from driving for three years.
She was also fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
Earnshaw was offered a drink-drive rehabilitation course.
If she completes the course successfully, the length of her driving ban will be reduced by 36 weeks.
Surgery Services Affected After Crash
The crash caused disruption for the medical practice as the damaged area had to be checked and made safe.
The surgery continued operating on a reduced basis, with alternative premises used for around a week.
The incident left two people with minor injuries and caused damage to the dispensary wall.
The case highlights the serious consequences of drink-driving, even when no serious physical injuries are caused.
