Ellen MacFarlane
4 Nov 2022 · Coroner Alison Mutch · Manchester South
A similar concern from this report was raised again 2 times later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. delayed ambulance response
“notwithstanding her age and frailty [the deceased] had to wait over 5 hours for an ambulance”
2. inadequate weekend cardiac testing availability
“over a weekend [the deceased] required cardiac tests that could not be provided easily in a District General Hospital setting due to availability of services/staff at DGHs out of hours”
3. delayed surgical decision
“operation for a fractured neck of femur has been put on hold pending further tests there is an inbuilt additional delay over a weekend before a decision can be taken as to the optimum point at which to operate”
4. recurring ambulance delays
“such delays were not unusual and were still occurring”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“such delays were not unusual and were still occurring.”
Later report
“such delays were not unusual throughout December due to demand and resources.”
Identical hazardConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“notwithstanding her age and frailty [the deceased] had to wait over 5 hours for an ambulance. This was due to the demands on the North West Ambulance Service on the day in question.”
Later report
“Due to continuing demand on the ambulance service, an ambulance did not become available until 08.16 hours. The ambulance arrived on scene at 08.26 hours.”
Responses
2022-0350-Response-from-Department-of-Health-and-Social-Care.pdf ↗· Department of Health and Social Care
Stated action · 2024/25
“we are maintaining this additional capacity in 2024/25. This is alongside the delivery of new ambulances and specialist mental health vehicles. With more ambulances on the road, patients will receive the treatment they need more swiftly.”