County Durham and Darlington

Coroner Area
Reports: 107 Earliest: Sep 2013 Latest: 17 Mar 2026

85% response rate (above 63% average).

Clear 72 results
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stanley Cummins
All Responded
2024-0119 4 Mar 2024
County Durham and Darlington NHS Founda…
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Lessons from past failures in pressure wound care, including offloading advice and escalation, have not been adequately learned, with crucial training and protocols remaining uncompleted.
Action Taken (AI summary) County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has implemented a 72-hour reassessment for patients admitted to care homes, updated wound assessments and care plans in SystmOne to include photography and off-loading advice, and booked study days for community nursing teams. They have also commenced work with suppliers to source a choice of heel off-loading devices.
Sean Crawford
All Responded
2024-0085 15 Feb 2024
BNF Publications Department of Health and Social Care Medicines and Healthcare Products Regul…
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) There is a critical lack of specific medical and official guidance regarding the fatal risks associated with combining clozapine with alcohol.
Noted (AI summary) BNF plans to review wording on sedation risks in drug interaction information, to highlight risks of concurrent use of sedating drugs. They have also added pharmacodynamic interaction tables to online versions of the BNF and BNFC. The MHRA will conduct a further assessment of the information provided within the clozapine product information regarding drug-drug interactions, including information for healthcare professionals, patients, families, and carers, as part of a wider review of clozapine to be completed this year. They will engage with relevant stakeholders and monitor the safety of clozapine. The DHSC acknowledges the concerns and notes that the MHRA will conduct a further assessment of the information provided within the clozapine product information. They have shared the report with NICE for consideration.
Emily Harkleroad
All Responded
2024-0074 5 Feb 2024
County Durham and Darlington NHS Founda… Oracle Health UK
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) A new Emergency Department computer system lacks a clear RAG rating for patient acuity, making it difficult for clinicians to quickly identify critically ill patients, especially during peak demand.
Action Planned (AI summary) Oracle Health is discussing potential configuration changes with CDDFT to further support the Durham Emergency Department, including duplicating the existing Early Warning Score Risk Level in a new colour coded column in the Launchpoint home screen, and offering supplemental training packages to Durham Emergency Department staff. The Trust is collaborating with Oracle Cerner to develop a column with a RAG rating for Early Warning Scores shown in Launchpoint, expected to be available from June 2024. They are also activating escalation alerts and deploying tablets in Emergency Departments for nurses to receive alerts and access the dashboard.
Linda Banks
All Responded
2023-0533 19 Dec 2023
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundati…
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Despite a thematic review identifying issues in mental health services, actions taken were ineffective in implementing change; serious incident investigations were also significantly delayed, compromising investigation quality and timely implementation of safety improvements.
Action Taken (AI summary) Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has reviewed and incorporated the thematic review action plan into a larger improvement plan for the Durham and Darlington Crisis Team, restructured operational management, and is progressing patient safety incident reviews under both the old and new frameworks.
Margaret Austin
All Responded
2024-0065 27 Nov 2023
Stanley Park Care Centre
Care Home Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) The care home exhibited inadequate falls risk management with inconsistent documentation, no plan reviews for changing risks, and a majority of staff lacking essential falls training.
Action Taken (AI summary) Stanley Park care home has taken steps to improve documentation around assessment and management of falls, including documentation to reflect the rationale sitting behind clinical decision making, and has incorporated a falls specific package into the mandatory training programme.
Alfie Mains-Forster
All Responded
2023-0459 9 Nov 2023
Clevermed Limited
Child Death (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) The electronic risk assessment system (BadgerNet) at Royal Victoria Infirmary does not fully align with national guidance, hindering effective assessment. A critical updated risk chart (NEWTT2) remains unimplemented despite being overdue.
Action Planned (AI summary) System Connecting Care plan to implement NEWTT2 in the Neonatal and Maternity application for delivery to the customer estate once NHS England has finalised the release of NEWTT2 and ensure that the NEWS functionality is clearly distinguishable from UK national guidance by defining its full title of Newborn Early Warning Score.
Sarah Holmes
All Responded
2023-0383 11 Oct 2023
Care Quality Commission Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) The Trust routinely experienced substantial and prolonged delays in completing serious incident investigations, far exceeding national guidelines, potentially allowing lethal hazards to persist longer than necessary.
Noted (AI summary) The IOPC expresses condolences and explains its role in the police complaints system. It details the recommendations made to Durham Constabulary, their response, and the IOPC's follow-up actions to seek further clarity on the acceptance of recommendations. DWP expresses condolences and states that existing guidance and support are adequate for vulnerable customers. They describe the call-back procedure followed and note that the ESA agent did not stop Ms Holmes’ benefit pending receipt of a PW1 form, indicating recognition of her vulnerabilities. TEWV acknowledges concerns and details actions taken including confirming assessment methods, developing an interim policy to address disputes between police and mental health services, and preparing a patient safety briefing on actions to take when disputes arise with partner agencies. The Police and Crime Commissioner acknowledges receipt of the report and expresses condolences. They state they have discussed the concerns with the Chief Constable, who has implemented an interim escalation policy with TEWV pending the roll-out of the national ‘Right Care Right Person’ approach. The constabulary has worked with TEWV to develop a strong partnership plan, implemented an interim escalation policy, and will train frontline officers with a national training package and local guidance.