North Wales (East and Central)
Coroner Area
Reports: 111
Earliest: Aug 2013
Latest: 5 Feb 2026
75% response rate (above 63% average).
Margaret Kelly
All Responded
2023-0375
9 Oct 2023
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Unsustainable pressure on emergency department staff, stemming from insufficient strategic planning and support, is causing treatment delays and raises concerns about patient safety and increased mortality.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB acknowledges concerns about pressure on the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. They are undertaking a programme management approach organized into three phases to strengthen planning, leadership and governance across the Health Board and are working with operational and clinical teams.
Richard Griffiths
All Responded
2023-0333Deceased
14 Sep 2023
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Suicide (from 2015)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The coroner raises concerns about deficiencies in the Health Board's investigation process, the lack of detail in the Transfer of Care document, and the continued use of paper-based patient notes for mental health.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is undertaking an addendum investigation regarding the transfer of care, and a strategic outline case for an Electronic Patient Record system(s) is being developed on a Health Board wide level to address the issue of fragmented care records; the deadline for the strategic outline case is the end of January 2024.
Rashdah Bhatti
All Responded
2023-0325
12 Sep 2023
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Human error led to critical first aid advice for a varicose vein bleed not being given during emergency calls, highlighting a risk of future deaths from handlers not following MPDS protocols.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Following an internal audit, the Welsh Ambulance Service will issue a reminder to all call handlers regarding the use of Post-Dispatch Instructions (PDIs), specifically related to haemorrhage/laceration calls, and will undertake a further targeted audit in February 2024.
Malcolm Unwin
All Responded
2023-0298
17 Aug 2023
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The absence of bed rail assessments from the Welsh Nursing Care Record risks these critical safety evaluations being missed, potentially leading to patient falls and future deaths.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Health Board has reminded ward managers about paper-based assessment forms while awaiting a national update to the Welsh Nursing Care Record. They are also finalising an updated Bed Rails Procedure and are working to comply with a National Patient Safety Alert regarding bed rails.
Ross Ballatine, Carl McGrath, Alan Minard
All Responded
2023-0245
17 Jul 2023
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The agency failed to adequately assess vessel stability after significant modifications, relying on inadequate checks and skipper assurances, leading to a risk of other unassessed modified vessels operating unsafely.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The MCA published an Urgent Safety Bulletin (Safety bulletin 32) on 4 September 2023, informing owners of the requirements in the Code and the importance of assessing the impact on stability of any modifications which may not have been notified to the MCA.
Emily Corfield
All Responded
2023-0247
14 Jul 2023
Adferiad Recovery
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
An addiction support service lacked robust communication and record-keeping policies, relying solely on written correspondence, which led to service users being disengaged and facing long waiting times.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Adferiad is seeking a range of updated automated communication routes for the service (such as a text reminder service) and as we proceed with this initiative, we will, of course, continue to have regard to your concern. The Health Board has re-issued communication detailing the referral process to liaison services and will share it with clinical teams across the Health Board to ensure there is clarity and consistency across all areas. The MHLD Liaison Psychiatry Services in Acute Hospitals Delivery Framework will also be reviewed.
Andrew Shambrook
All Responded
2023-0177
31 May 2023
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Suicide (from 2015)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The health board lacks a robust, documented policy for decision-making and care pathways when patients are referred to the Home Treatment Team.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Health Board will review and ratify its Home Treatment Team Operational Policy by 31 January 2024, incorporating the coroner's comments. An interim addendum has been created to address immediate concerns.
Nancy Price
All Responded
2023-0137
26 Apr 2023
Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health…
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The health board's internal investigations are too slow, with unrealistic action plans and missed deadlines, significantly delaying learning and preventing the timely implementation of safety improvements.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Health Board is re-evaluating the incident process with a new procedure document to be developed by the end of August 2023, addressing overdue investigations with weekly meetings, and implementing training programmes after procedure approval. They have also commissioned a Patient Safety Improvement Programme.
David Strachan
All Responded
2023-0065Deceased
20 Feb 2023
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board…
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Persistent and significant ambulance handover delays between the Welsh Ambulance Service and Health Board are causing ongoing deaths, with current improvements proving extremely limited.
Noted
(AI summary)
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board acknowledges concerns regarding ambulance handover delays and outlines various improvement plans, including implementing frailty assessment on arrival, improving patient flow, and developing a 7-day discharge lounge. Joint reviews of patient safety incidents from handover delays are being rolled out across Wales. The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust references previously provided information regarding actions taken to address patient safety and reduce handover delays, including the Clinical Safety Plan and Reducing Patient Harm Action Plan. It offers to meet and discuss the response in more detail.
Emma Powell
All Responded
2022-0416Deceased
28 Dec 2022
Prime Minister’s Office
Tesco PLC
Other related deaths
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Retailers fail to provide essential safety advice at the point of paddleboard sale, specifically regarding the mandatory wearing of life-saving equipment and appropriate leash usage for varying water conditions.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Tesco will add a sticker to the front of their paddleboard packaging with safety information and a QR code linking to British Canoeing's website, and will share information with other retailers via the British Retail Consortium's Product Safety Committee. They have made arrangements for stores to receive and affix the stickers to units delivered in 2022. The Department for Business and Trade has referred the report to Hertfordshire Trading Standards, asked the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to write to the British Retail Consortium and major retailers, liaise with enforcement partners and manufacturers, and write to the British Standards Institute to consider industry standards relating to paddleboards.
Ann Daghlian
All Responded
2022-0385
25 Nov 2022
TLC Nursing and Care
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The nursing and care provider lacked a formal system to trigger multi-disciplinary reviews for patient deterioration or to monitor whether care plans were being met, despite clear signs of refusal for essential care.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
TLC Homecare and Nursing Plus is implementing measures including staff training, an automated review system, and a more regular client review process to better monitor care provision and address deviations to care plans.
Kyle Hurst
All Responded
2021-0359
26 Oct 2021
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The Health Board failed to implement a beneficial medical protocol and delayed approving critical risk mitigation procedures for diagnostic results, despite setting their own deadlines, thereby putting lives at risk.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
BCUHB is considering adopting the SNAP protocol for paracetamol overdose treatment but requires local review and approval. The Health Board is reviewing historic action plans from serious incident investigations and tracking actions through their Datix patient safety system.
Albert Rowlands
All Responded
2021-0253
26 Jul 2021
Gwern Alyn House Residential Home
Care Home Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Falls prevention measures were inconsistently implemented, and staffing pressures led to errors in care. The resident's room placement also increased the risk of falls during toilet access.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Pendine Park will introduce a programme of testing door pressures where mobile residents encounter doors and will continue to work with GPs and other health professionals to support any resident that has a history of falls using the North Wales Prevention and Management of Falls in Care Homes Pathway. They also aim to continue to be suitably staffed.
Benjamin Leonard
All Responded
2020-0032
7 Feb 2020
Scout Association
Child Death (from 2015)
Other related deaths
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The Scout Association failed to implement or ensure understanding of critical safety policies, including risk assessments and leadership oversight, for an organised trip, directly endangering young people.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The Scout Association has made further changes and improvements to guidance, rules and systems described in a previous response, as a result of their ongoing review of safety in Scouting. They have also committed to considering all evidence from the inquest and conducting a Safety Incident Learning Inquiry.
Samantha Brousas
All Responded
2019-0443
20 Dec 2019
Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Paramedics failed to pre-alert the hospital about suspected sepsis due to discretionary policy. They also could not administer vital antibiotics, and did not escalate concerns about patient condition or admission delays.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The Trust implemented pre-alert guidance in Dec 2018 developed with clinical directors and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, reinforced sepsis guidelines in mandatory training, and is designing an escalation process for ambulance crews when concerns aren't addressed in the Emergency Department.
Carl Sargeant
All Responded
2019-0236
11 Jul 2019
Welsh Government
Suicide (from 2015)
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The report highlights a need to provide appropriate support channels for high-profile individuals removed from government roles, regardless of mental vulnerabilities or the reason for their removal.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The First Minister of Wales has consulted with current and former ministers and the family of the deceased to make changes to the process for ministers leaving the Cabinet. A new section will be added to the Welsh Government Ministerial Code to ensure the well-being of ministers is taken into account during reshuffles and that they are aware of available support services.
Kathleen Smith
All Responded
2019-0184
3 Jun 2019
Coed Duon Care Home
Care Home Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Care home staff lacked sufficient training in first aid for choking, assisting residents, and preparing appropriate foods for those with swallowing difficulties, compounded by inadequate management oversight.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Coed Duon Care Home has implemented several changes, including SALT training for staff, designation of two Dysphagia champions, creation of a diets and fluids consistency file for each resident in the kitchen, and clearer documentation of meals served.
Kristopher McDowell
All Responded
2019-0083
7 Mar 2019
Canal and River Trust
Other related deaths
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The report raises concerns about the wide spacing on the aqueduct parapet, posing a fall risk, and the subjective nature of the testing process for upright embedment, potentially leading to inconsistent assessments of deterioration.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Trust has started an investigation of physical options to address gaps in the parapet and will submit a final design for approval after an informal public consultation.
Joshua Hamill
All Responded
2017-0351
5 Dec 2017
North Wales Police
Mental Health related deaths
Police related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Police training was ineffective in identifying mental health issues, and 'concern for safety' incidents were closed without ensuring the individual's welfare.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
North Wales Police provide a list of mental health resources including webinars, powerpoints, business cards, posters, and modules that are delivered to officers as part of training.
Kate Pierce
All Responded
2017-0312
31 Oct 2017
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There is a lack of clarity on when a sick child needs senior paediatrician review before discharge, especially with parental concerns. Additionally, the system for identifying and acting on learning opportunities from readmissions lacks clear, consistently applied criteria.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The University Health Board confirms that it has a formal policy about discharging children from the children's assessment unit, and has altered the parent discharge information to explicitly state parents may escalate their desire to have a second opinion.
Douglas McTavish
All Responded
2017-0311
31 Oct 2017
Whirlpool (UK) Appliances
Product related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Whirlpool's risk assessment processes may not fully appreciate the extent of fire risk with its appliances, and the company may be too reluctant to rely on 'soft data' such as reported fires. Additionally, public awareness of the risk of spontaneous combustion may be insufficient.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Whirlpool will support initiatives to raise consumer awareness of risks such as spontaneous combustion and has added relevant usage instructions to the 'Register my appliance' website.
Bernard Hender
All Responded
2017-0311-wp25922
31 Oct 2017
Whirlpool (UK) Appliances
Product related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Whirlpool's risk assessments for appliance fires were inadequate, with a dismissive approach to field data like reported fires. This prevents timely learning and proactive measures to enhance product safety and save lives.
1 response
from Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited
Raymond Edwards
All Responded
2017-0029
10 Feb 2017
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A critical lack of a reliable system for disseminating histology results to named consultants meant crucial diagnostic information was not promptly reviewed, posing a significant risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment in future cases.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The University Health Board developed BCUHB Procedure MD23 to mitigate risks due to failure to act on diagnostic results, based on NPSA 16 guidance, and approved at the end of 2016. An electronic reporting system (CHAI Ping app) is being developed to provide alerts to clinicians when histology reports are authorised for viewing.
Sarah Tyler
All Responded
2017-0002
13 Jan 2017
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Pervasive hospital admission delays due to insufficient beds were exacerbated by increased 'bed blocking' on weekends, stemming from reduced patient discharges. This systemic issue poses a significant risk to timely patient care.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Health Board is implementing an Unscheduled Care Plan in 2017/18 to improve waiting times for hospital admissions and reduce bed occupancy. The plan includes targets for each section and will be overseen by a Health Board-wide Transformation Group, with progress monitored monthly and by Welsh Government.
Christopher Jones
All Responded
2016-0319
7 Sep 2016
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inadequate mental health care planning resulted in patients being without consultant review for extended periods post-discharge. Increased demand on services also created staff cover deficiencies.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The Division produced a multi-agency document which became operational in August 2013 and has been reviewed regularly. MHM administrators send a report to managers of all CTPs due for review, 3 months in advance with a view to avoiding any CTPs becoming out of date and patients have reviews in a timely manner.