County Durham and Darlington
Coroner Area
Reports: 107
Earliest: Sep 2013
Latest: 17 Mar 2026
85% response rate (above 63% average).
Kay Wilson
All Responded
2026-0132-wp123915
Durham County Council
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A breach in a stone wall near County Bridge, Barnard Castle, allows unrestricted access to a 9-meter drop onto rocks and the River Tees.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
• Officers from the council’s health and safety team attended the location on 25 March 2026 to inspect the breach in the stone wall.
• A site-specific risk assessment for the site had been previously undertaken by council officers for this area and this followed national guidance and methodology; this previous assessment was reviewed and updated to reflect the findings from the inquest.
• A separate section of wall previously identified as damaged had now been fully repaired.
Natalie Ainsworth
All Responded
2026-0162
17 Mar 2026
Durham Police
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Critical information about a vulnerable missing person's suicide threat was not passed to officers, resulting in an inaccurate police risk assessment and inappropriate response to her mental health history.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
• The Force has reviewed processes around the recording of additional information received into the Force Control Room as part of a missing person investigation.
• Changes have been made to how that information is recorded and shared with those engaged in enquiries to locate the missing person and to ensure that all information is readily available to those conducting reviews of risk assessments.
• The Constabulary had already reviewed it’s Missing From Home Policy and Guidance and provided updated training to those conducting risk assessments.
Kay Wilson
All Responded
2026-0132
6 Mar 2026
Durham County Council
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
An unguarded breach in a stone wall provides unrestricted public access to a dangerous 9-meter vertical drop onto rocks and the river below.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
• Officers from the council’s health and safety team attended the location to inspect the breach in the stone wall.
• A site-specific risk assessment for the site had been previously undertaken by council officers for this area and this followed national guidance and methodology; this previous assessment was reviewed and updated to reflect the findings from the inquest.
• The council will install a steel fencing section to fully close the gap in the existing stone wall and prevent unrestricted public access to the drop below.
Susan Samson
No Identified Response
2026-0120
2 Mar 2026
Darlington Borough Council
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Excessive delays by the council in fitting a requested second banister rail in a tenant's home exposed the individual to a prolonged, avoidable risk of falls and potential death.
Susan Samson
All Responded
2026-0112
23 Feb 2026
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundati…
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A patient was discharged home without consistently demonstrating safe stair use, and the current policy would allow this to recur, posing a future fall risk.
2 responses
from Darlington Borough Council, County of Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Anthony Lodge
All Responded
2025-0669
15 Dec 2025
Internation Scientific Supplies Ltd
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Urine sample bottles lacked expiry dates, resulting in the use of out-of-date containers and subsequent delays in laboratory processing, posing a risk of future harm.
Noted
(AI summary)
International Scientific Supplies Ltd states its urine specimen containers are manufactured and labelled according to UK regulatory requirements, including expiry dates on outer packaging, and that the product complied with obligations at the time of supply. They assert controls were in place and labeling was compliant.
Steven Ruddick
Partially Responded
2025-0591
18 Nov 2025
GeoAmey
HM Prison Service
State Custody related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Procedural differences in observing detained persons during toilet visits between police and GeoAmey custody created an opportunity for prohibited items to be hidden. The subsequent search was also potentially inadequate.
Noted
(AI summary)
HMPPS acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding differences in operational practice between police custody and HMPPS PECS, particularly regarding toilet visits and searching. They state that current HMPPS policies are grounded in safety, proportionality, legality, and respect for decency and dignity and no changes to policy or PECS operating procedures are proposed.
Hilary Chapman
All Responded
2026-0111
16 Sep 2025
TEWV
Mental Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The updated section 17 leave policy does not reflect the new processes for discussing and prescribing leave, creating a gap between practice and documented policy, with no review expected until 2026.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
• The Section 17 policy has been amended to direct staff to PIPA (Purposeful In - Patient Admission) procedures and standard processes as of April 3rd 2026.
• A full review of the Section17 Leave Policy is planned for early June 2026 which will involve all stakeholders, including those with lived experience of receiving services and of caring for those who receive services.
• The working group agreed that immediate policy changes were required for clinicians to have clear direction regarding the expected processes for prescribing and arranging Section 17 leave, for consideration of contingencies to be incorporated into Section 17 leave planning, wherever possible and practicable, to increase family involvement in leave planning, and uniformity throughout the Trust for risk assessing when planning Section 17 leave and the recording of this within the patient electronic care record.
Victor Hutchens
All Responded
2025-0418
7 Aug 2025
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundati…
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Care rounds were erroneously reduced from hourly to four-hourly, and the staff member responsible couldn't explain how the error occurred, raising concerns about potential recurrence.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust undertook a comprehensive education programme with the ward team to clarify the distinct purposes of care rounding and observation frequency and conducted an organisation-wide audit to ensure this issue is not occurring elsewhere, and remedial education has been undertaken with the relevant teams.
Patricia Heaviside
Partially Responded
2025-0354
10 Jul 2025
Care Quality Commission
Durham County Council
Howlish Hall Care Home
+1 more
Care Home Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The care home failed to implement recommended falls prevention equipment due to resource reluctance, didn't share critical information, and neglected to apply for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) assessments for residents lacking mental capacity.
Disputed
(AI summary)
CQC inspected Howlish Hall in July 2025 and found breaches of fundamental standards and took urgent enforcement action by imposing conditions on the provider's registration. One condition required the provider to safeguard people from the risk of falls. Durham County Council will explore ways of identifying care homes that currently have no active DoLS authorisations in place or where renewals may be overdue. This will help them highlight potential gaps and ensure timely action is taken to proactively address any issues with the care home. The care home disputes the coroner's report, asserting that it is inaccurate and based on hearsay, and that the home always prioritized tenant safety.
Jody Robb
All Responded
2025-0330
1 Jul 2025
Network Rail
Railway related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inadequate physical barriers and non-deterrent design allowed track access, compounded by train crews failing to report a person on the tracks despite multiple trains passing, hindering intervention.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Network Rail has applied for planning permission to increase the height of the parapet on the viaduct and curve it inwards, installing a safety barrier. The design stage is underway and it is hoped the works can be completed by the end of the financial year, subject to planning permission.
Esther Byrne
All Responded
2025-0272
3 Jun 2025
Care Home Health related deaths
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Poor communication with family and power of attorney led to incorrect baseline information for discharge planning, misunderstandings among medical staff, and the failure to arrange a crucial follow-up appointment.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The Trust will include mobility status in discharge letters, conduct regular ward audits to ensure follow-up appointments are scheduled, and has circulated a flowchart detailing the process for contacting the on-call radiologist, sharing it with orthopaedic consultants.
Sophie Cotton
All Responded
2025-0246
27 May 2025
Durham Constabulary
Officer of the College of Policing
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards)
Mental Health related deaths
Police related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Police applying "Right Care, Right Person" policy refused attendance despite immediate risk and multiple calls, disregarding mental health teams' inability to enter locked premises, and leading to dangerous delays in supervisor reviews.
Noted
(AI summary)
Durham Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable states that a full review of the case and police actions was undertaken, with the outcome and actions attached to the response. The Police and Crime Commissioner expressed condolences and noted that a review by Durham Constabulary didn't highlight significant failings but resulted in two points of organisational learning and recommendations. The commissioner will monitor the 'Right Care Right Person' model. The College of Policing has contacted Durham Constabulary, who have reviewed their policies and procedures in line with the College of Policing toolkit and Approved Professional Practice. The concerns raised will also be communicated with all forces within the national tactical delivery Board, where learning can be shared. Durham Constabulary will implement recommendations aligned with the National Toolkit for Right Care, Right Person (RCRP), aiming for full implementation by mid-July 2025. These include a review of police systems for further intelligence, supervisor review, and immediate escalation to the Supervisor on a second call about the same person within a 12 hour period.
Loraine Cheesman
All Responded
2025-0178
3 Apr 2025
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health related deaths
Product related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There is a lack of specific national guidance for assessing mental capacity in adults with Hoarding Disorder and Executive Dysfunction, hindering effective intervention and requiring revised protocols.
Noted
(AI summary)
The DHSC acknowledges concerns about guidance on self-neglect and hoarding disorder, pointing to existing NICE guidance and recent court judgements. They will continue to disseminate such guidance and caselaw through its partners and networks.
Sylvia Savage
All Responded
2025-0010
18 Dec 2024
Four Seasons Healthcare
Care Home Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The care home exhibited inadequate fall reporting, ineffective patient monitoring, reliance on family for medical intervention post-fall, and poor, unsecured record-keeping, hindering proper resident care and risk assessment.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Four Seasons Health Care Group has implemented further steps and actions to address record-keeping, falls policy, and care plan re-evaluation, incorporated into ongoing care at Redwell Hills Care Home and shared across the business. All care plans and risk assessments are reviewed monthly as a minimum, with mobility care plans evaluated following any fall or near miss.
Patricia Lines
All Responded
2024-0574
24 Oct 2024
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS England
UK Health Security Agency
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Outdated national guidance led to a nurse not cleaning skin before an injection, potentially increasing infection risk due to lack of disinfection and reliance on 20-year-old evidence.
Noted
(AI summary)
NHS England acknowledges the concerns and will review UKHSA's response, while highlighting existing IPC guidance aligning with 'The Green Book' and planned discussions by the Regulation 28 Working Group. The UKHSA expresses condolences and explains its role in iGAS notification and investigation. It states that it has no plans to amend the 'Green Book' guidance regarding alcohol wipes prior to vaccinations, as the matter falls outside of its remit. Browney House Surgery will use the case as a learning exercise, staff will attend Infection Prevention and Control courses, enroll into an Injection Administration Training course and follow local and national guidance. DHSC has determined that UKHSA is better positioned to address the issues raised in the report, as responsibility for guidance on immunization procedures lies with them.
Helen Davey
Partially Responded
2024-0533
7 Oct 2024
Department for Business and Trade
Office for Product Safety and Standards
Product related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Concerns exist regarding the design and use of gas piston bed mechanisms, whose failure presents a direct risk to life.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
OPSS has contacted BSI to request a review of furniture standards for Ottoman-style beds and is writing to trade bodies to raise awareness of potential risks.
Anthony Nixon
All Responded
2024-0457
16 Aug 2024
General Pharmaceutical Council
York Road Pharmacy
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A pharmacist unilaterally provided multiple advanced doses of a controlled drug, contrary to supervised prescription instructions and without informing the treatment provider, significantly increasing overdose risk.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The GPhC has inspected the pharmacy, and the inspection report will be published in due course. Evidence collected has been shared with the FtP team who are investigating the case, with the findings shared with NHS colleagues and the local CD police liaison officer. York Road Pharmacy has reviewed and discussed Durham County Council Drug and Alcohol Service guidance with all staff, and ensured staff understanding of the guidance and the steps required. The details of the case have been discussed with the GPhC Inspector and the Local Pharmaceutical Committee Chief Officer.
Matthew Gale
All Responded
2024-0456
13 Aug 2024
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundati…
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Carers were not informed of Section 17 leave conditions or provided forms, and compliance audit data is inconsistent. Removing the requirement for carer signatures in a new policy increases future risks.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has implemented weekly Fundamental Standards Group meetings, added Section 17 leave to the Trust wide preceptorship package, and arranged a task and finish meeting to develop a more frequent auditing process. They have also provided staff with leave folder templates and contact cards, and continue to audit clinical records to assess compliance with Section 17 leave procedures.
Janet Rice
All Responded
2024-0397
23 Jul 2024
County Durham and Darlington NHS Founda…
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The patient safety investigation report was significantly delayed and not a comprehensive review of omissions in anti-coagulant provision, with a limited remit and action plan focused only on the community hospital setting; training was also limited to the community hospital setting.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Durham and Darlington NHS have completed actions including improving documentation, sharing learning, and pharmacy attendance at Sister's Away Day. These actions are designed to address concerns about omissions in anti-coagulant provision and capacity/best interest decision making.
Russell Irvine
All Responded
2024-0393
22 Jul 2024
State Custody related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Prison staff failed to escalate or monitor a prisoner's reported refusal of food and fluids, highlighting a national absence of formal policy for monitoring prisoner meal collection.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
While stating existing policy covers monitoring food refusals, HMPPS will write to all Governors to remind staff of their role in early identification of food and/or fluid refusals, and to satisfy themselves that systems are in place for recording information and sharing it with healthcare providers.
Glenn Jacques and Ben Whiteman and Callum Clark
No Identified Response
2024-0376
16 Jul 2024
Northern Rail
Railway related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The railway station, a known location for suicides, met the 'hotspot' criteria with three incidents in 12 months, despite previous categorisation suggesting otherwise.
Sonny Farrier
All Responded
2024-0358
3 Jul 2024
Durham County Council
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A specific road with a steep gradient and bend poses a significant hazard and risk of death to road users, especially in slippery conditions without effective mitigation.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The council replaced a damaged marker post, repaired a weight restriction sign, provided an additional salt bin, and repaired a void off the carriageway. They also assessed the bridge parapet and found it adequate.
Gillian Peacock
All Responded
2024-0313
5 Jun 2024
County Durham and Darlington NHS Founda…
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Critical drug interaction information recorded in patient notes was not seen or actioned by clinicians due to poor accessibility within the medical records system, impacting patient safety.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Trust is convening a multi-disciplinary group, led by the Chief Pharmacist, to review all Major (level 2) drug-to-drug interactions to determine if any are appropriate to activate a prescriber alert within their electronic patient record system.
Andrew Naylor
All Responded
2024-0367
4 Jun 2024
County Durham and Darlington NHS Founda…
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundati…
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There was no protocol to warn patients about critical medication risks with alcohol, and a lack of joined-up communication between acute, mental health, and drug treatment teams hindered safe discharge planning.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The importance of informing next of kin in scenarios such as Andrew's has been reinforced to the clinical teams at huddles. The Trust recognises that communication between the liaison staff and acute staff could have been improved. The Trust has shared the message from the campaign on the Trust Intranet; created a slide to be shared with the CQC as part of our monthly updates and discussed the campaign with the Chair of the Board. The family also attended our Board of Directors meeting 13th June 2024 to ensure the Board would understand from a bereaved family the importance of giving families the opportunity to share their understanding of a situation and their loved ones needs.