South Wales Central
Coroner Area
Reports: 181
Earliest: Aug 2013
Latest: 27 Feb 2026
73% response rate (above 63% average).
John Preece
All Responded
2019-0019
15 Jan 2019
Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
Nursing & Midwifery Council
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Significant failures in falls management, head injury recognition, and neuro observation training among staff, compounded by a lack of appropriate monitoring and early warning systems for mentally unwell patients.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Health Board has implemented a falls training program developed by Practice Nurse Educators, introduced an escalation policy specifically for St Barruc ward, and uses NEWS across MHSOP wards in University Hospital Llandough with clear escalation policies. The NMC outlines its regulatory role in setting and maintaining standards for registered nurses and refers to new standards and assurance processes to ensure nurses entering the register are properly trained. They will pursue any regulatory concerns which it is appropriate for them to take, through their fitness to practise procedures.
Janice Davies
All Responded
2018-0409
31 Dec 2018
Cwm Taf University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Missing documented observations and pain scores before discharge, alongside absent formal guidance for prescribing oramorph to discharging patients, led to inconsistent and potentially inappropriate medication.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The Health Board has developed a corrective action plan and implemented actions including a registered nurse reflection, a standard operating procedure for oral opioid medication use, and RRAILS discussions and audits.
Ruth Edwards
All Responded
2018-0395
18 Dec 2018
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
West Quay Surgery
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Mental Health related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Patient discharge after an overdose failed to include psychiatric liaison assessment, passing critical responsibility to the family. Inadequate history-taking led to underestimated risk, and insufficient GP medication reviews created an overdose risk.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The practice has taken on a full-time Clinical Pharmacist to oversee repeat and acute prescribing, and patient monitoring. They achieved an NHS award for quality improvement in this area. The University Health Board conducted an internal review and will remind staff of the importance of full and diligent information taking. The matter of medication reviews has been raised with the Primary Community and Intermediate Care Clinical Board as a practice issue.
Andrew Collins
All Responded
2018-0336-wp26400
2 Oct 2018
Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A severe lack of ambulance resources caused a critical three-hour delay in dispatching a vehicle to a rapidly deteriorating patient, despite urgent clinical priority.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
• The Trust is working on strategic and operational quality improvements in patient safety that have been completed or are underway.
• Continuous improvements are ongoing with Health Board colleagues and they are working collaboratively to progress safety, effectiveness and a positive experience for patients and their carers.
• Initiatives include ensuring planned resources are sufficient to meet overall demand, aligning production against demand by local and time of day, reducing sickness absence, and reducing handover to clear duration.
Deidre Harvey
All Responded
2018-0266
8 Aug 2018
British Association of Dermatologists
British National Formulary
Cwm Taf University Health Board
+4 more
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Mental Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
External consultants had insufficient input into mental health patients' physical care, bureaucratic processes delayed rectifying ligature points, and the system for managing dangerous patient items was ineffective.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Welsh Government will discuss the incident at the all Wales Serious Incidents Group in October to improve learning and develop/disseminate further guidance across professional groups. They will also keep the case under ongoing review. The University Health Board has implemented a safe system of work for recording items stored in patient PODS, disseminated risk management policies via ward meetings with staff sign-off, and is developing a standard list of documents for disclosure at inquest. NHS Improvement supported the MHRA by searching the National Reporting and Learning System, which reinforced the importance of annual eye screening for patients on long-term Hydroxychloroquine. They stand ready to support the MHRA in ensuring any future changes to monitoring reach healthcare professionals. The MHRA acknowledged the concerns and requested further information regarding the case to determine if regulatory action is required, including observed drug concentrations, symptoms of overdose, concomitant medications, post-mortem sample details, and renal/liver function test results. NHS England is working to ensure that by 2020/21, 280,000 more people with serious mental illness have their physical health needs met. NHS Improvement issued an Estates and Facilities Alert on 'Assessment of ligature points' on 19 September 2018.
Richard Barrett
All Responded
2018-0249
30 Jul 2018
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Minister for Health
Welsh Ambulance Service Trust
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Seriously underestimated ambulance demand and unrealistic A&E turnaround targets led to severe ambulance shortages. Unreliable welfare call systems and failure to involve police for checks further delayed critical intervention.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board confirmed the continued actions of reminding CCC Clinical Leads to address Protocol 23 cases promptly, approach the Police to extend the MOU to include overdose cases, expand the clinical desks, rolling out the APP model across Wales and implementing a Level 1 response to people who have fallen and are not injured. The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) is considering options to increase capacity on its clinical support desk and exploring options for third sector organisations to support delivery of welfare checks. The Cabinet Secretary has commissioned a review of the ‘Amber’ category.
Howard Winter
All Responded
2018-0040
8 Feb 2018
CWM Taff University Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
An auxiliary nurse's recording of a patient's neck pain was not escalated to a doctor for further assessment, potentially delaying diagnosis of a cervical spine fracture.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Cwm Taf University Health Board has undertaken two audits of NEWS scores, identified the need for further education and training, and is monitoring improvement work via the quarterly quality report.
Stephanie Cave
All Responded
2017-0361
16 Nov 2017
Welsh Government
Ludlow Street Healthcare
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Mental Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inconsistent application and recording of enhanced observations for at-risk mental health patients, coupled with a lack of training and written guidelines, compromised suicide and self-harm prevention.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Heatherwood Court Hospital will review and update its Levels of Observation Policy and current enhanced observation recording documentation. They will introduce amended documentation for a 2-week trial and update the current training package to include video and exemplar copies of completed documentation. Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) completed an inspection of Heatherwood Court and raised concerns about observation of patients. In response, Heatherwood Court reviewed training and amended observation recording sheets. The Welsh government sent copies of the Code of Practice on the Mental Health Act to Heatherwood Court and all units managed by Ludlow Street Healthcare.
Lesley Hanson
All Responded
2017-0303
12 Oct 2017
Cardiff City Council
Medical Officer Welsh Government
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Inadequate care and risk assessments failed to address environmental safety hazards like open doors and stair-gate suitability, with unclear responsibility for control measures.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Since the death, codes of practice to assess and meet the needs of individuals with care and support needs have been issued which underpin the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. The council has reviewed processes resulting in improvements to policy regarding suitability of stairs and stair-gates in supported accommodation schemes. A new referral form, stair assessment tool and training has been created and rolled out.
David Sewell
All Responded
2017-0229
7 Sep 2017
Cwm Taff University Hospital Health Boa…
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There was a lack of a robust system to ensure mental health patients, especially those with psychotic episodes, were seen and re-engaged, leading to discharge without adequate follow-up after an initial appointment failure.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The University Health Board has reviewed the case and circumstances. They will ensure reception staff are aware if an appointment is with the Mental Health Team and direct accordingly and have reviewed the Disengagement Policy for Mental Health.
Jac Davies
All Responded
2017-0250
21 Aug 2017
Welsh Assembly Government
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Landlords in Wales are under no legal obligation to install smoke alarms in rented properties, contrasting with England's regulations, and current "best practice" recommendations carry no enforcement.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Welsh Government is drafting regulations under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that will place a legal duty on both social and private landlords to fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, with a consultation on the draft regulations underway.
Dennis Redmore
All Responded
2017-0315
9 Aug 2017
ABMU Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Clear failures in neurological monitoring, with substantial observation gaps and delayed action on elevated vital signs, were identified. There was also a lack of appropriate management to ensure nurses adhered to observation guidelines.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The health board has incorporated actions into a formal plan with clear timescales and responsibilities for monitoring Mr Redmore's neurological state, acting upon NEWS observations, and undertaking observations in line with guidance. An advisory group will help deliver improvements.
Percy Jacks
All Responded
2017-0329
27 Jul 2017
Care Quality Commission
Care & Social Services Inspectorate Wal…
Local Health Board
+1 more
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Communication breakdowns between hospital, GP, and care homes, including incorrect information transfer and inadequate medication review systems, led to poor DVT management.
Noted
(AI summary)
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has noted the inquest findings and will use the information to inform their ongoing review of discharge arrangements, focusing on communication and documentation between secondary and primary healthcare, and will discuss collaboration with CSSIW regarding communication between health services and care homes. Rhayader Group Practice has implemented a system to record and follow up DVT referrals, inform patients with positive DVT results and prescribe Rivaroxiban, and fast-track medical records for new patients registering from nursing/care homes; they will audit the process in 6 months. Hywel Dda Health Board has streamlined the process for managing potential DVT patients with a direct referral pathway to the Radiology Department, a pre-printed letter from on-call physicians to the GP, and a specific proforma completed on discharge for patients from care homes; they investigated and addressed an incorrectly addressed discharge summary, noting improvements in access to the Welsh Clinical Portal. CQC had no prior knowledge of the death. They contacted Pencombe Hall care home and Cantilupe Surgery in Herefordshire, reviewed information transfer procedures, and consider their current inspection methodology covers relevant elements of care, and is satisfied that no additional policy change is required.
Sheila Gaskin
All Responded
2017-0328
27 Jul 2017
Care Quality Commission
Welsh Government Office
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Despite an identified risk of smoking in bed, carers regularly assisted the deceased to smoke, due to a lack of management oversight and a clear prohibition policy.
Noted
(AI summary)
CSSIW cannot impose a blanket ban on care workers assisting service users to smoke, but will issue general guidance to care providers on assessing and mitigating health and fire risks associated with smoking, and exploring alternatives. CQC acknowledges the concerns, notes the service falls under CSSIW jurisdiction, and states their current inspection process covers governance systems, supervision, and accident/incident reviews, but does not support a blanket prohibition on assisting with smoking, preferring a case-by-case risk assessment.
Russell Sherwood
All Responded
2017-0192
13 Jun 2017
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
The Fire Service departed a dangerous flood scene without closing the road or leaving warning signs, as their protocols and equipment do not permit road closures, relying solely on other authorities.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The recommendations are being considered as part of its overarching response to the Fire Rescue Services (Emergencies)(Wales)(Amendment) Order 2017, with the outcome of the review reported by the Service's Senior Management Team by 31 October 2017.
Ceriann Richards
All Responded
2017-0041
1 Mar 2017
Neville Hall Hospital
Royal Gwent Hospital
Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
+1 more
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Significant and prolonged handover delays between ambulance crews and hospital staff led to critical delays in ambulance dispatch and availability, worsening since new guidance.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board describes steps taken to address ambulance handover issues, including establishing an Urgent Care Board, implementing a Standard Operating Procedure for bed management, and introducing 'Breaking the Cycle' to improve patient flow, implementing transfer teams and discharge facilitators. The Welsh Government acknowledges concerns about handover delays and outlines existing initiatives by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to limit conveyance rates, including an enhanced clinical desk, alternative pathways, and a frequent callers project.
Ashley Talbot
All Responded
2017-0051
22 Feb 2017
Bridgend County Borough Council
Maesteg Comprehensive School
Child Death (from 2015)
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Poor design of the school service road and bus bay, coupled with insufficient staff supervision, created a highly dangerous situation for children crossing the road, stemming from a lack of accountability in the school's construction.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The bus bay has been extended to accommodate seven buses, and the school site is now subject to a lockdown, with no vehicles allowed to enter or move around the site until the children have boarded/alighted. A new drop-off area has been developed approximately 200m from the school gates. The bus bay has been extended, a school lockdown occurs during bus loading, staff supervision has increased, a speed limit is in place, and a vehicle drop-off point has been created.
David Griffiths
All Responded
2017-0013
31 Jan 2017
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
There were no local protocols or specific training for intercostal drain insertion, and recommended real-time ultrasound guidance was unavailable, raising significant safety concerns for patients.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The University Health Board has discontinued the practice of inserting chest drains at a 'marked' point and has purchased equipment. A task and finish group will oversee implementation and assessment across the Health Board and will report to the Quality, Safety and Experience Committee.
Colin Wellings
All Responded
2016-0348
5 Oct 2016
Department for Transport
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Current legislation exempts older, powerful vehicles from essential safety requirements like helmets or seatbelts, posing significant risks to riders and other road users.
Noted
(AI summary)
The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns, explains current regulations regarding tricycle helmets and licensing, and notes that changes to collision reporting codes and helmet regulations are not planned but will be kept under review.
James Hedge
All Responded
2016-wp25334
27 Jul 2016
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regul…
NHS England
NHS Wales
+1 more
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Insulin pump guidance inadequately highlights misuse dangers from incorrect cartridge insertion, and patient education fails to emphasize the rapid life-threatening nature of hyperglycaemia.
4 responses
from NHS England, Welsh Government, Roche Diabetes Care Limited
Lee Davies
All Responded
2016-0239
29 Jun 2016
Wallich Centre
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Hostel staff lacked specific training on monitoring and safeguarding residents found after illicit drug use, instead only focusing on overdose recognition, leaving at-risk individuals unmonitored.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
The Wallich will present a PowerPoint on 'Dealing with Drug Overdose' to staff by the end of August 2016, revise their policy to include Cymorth Cymru's guidance by August 2016, and revise their e-learning module by September 2016.
Gillian Taylor
All Responded
2016-0178
11 May 2016
Department of Health and Social Care
Powys Teaching Health Board
Mental Health related deaths
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A lack of acute mental health facilities in Powys forces patients to be moved far from home, causing discontinuity of care and negatively impacting patient engagement, thus increasing self-harm and suicide risk.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
Following the report, Welsh Government facilitated a meeting between all Health Boards mental health managers to discuss using Welsh NHS beds whenever possible. They also highlighted the existing requirement for care coordinators and treatment plans for all patients in Wales receiving secondary mental health services, even when placed 'out of area'. Powys Teaching Health Board is working to repatriate Mental Health Services for direct delivery, expecting to treat more patients within Powys and reduce out-of-county placements. Kent and Medway NHS Trust revised its 'Unable to Contact' Protocol, launched it at the Acute Leadership Forum, and cascaded training to CRHT teams. The new Protocol is being piloted in CRHTs trust wide for 3 months to ensure the changes are robust and workable.
Christopher Connor
All Responded
2015-0461
12 Nov 2015
Welsh Ambulance Trust
Community health care and emergency services related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Ambulance response was delayed, only arriving after police expedited the call, indicating potential issues with emergency service dispatch or prioritization.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
Following an investigation, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust addressed failings by an individual staff member and provided additional education and support to call takers involved in the incident; the individual is being managed in line with Trust policies.
Geoffrey Parry
All Responded
2015-0400
7 Oct 2015
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
Critical ECG test results were unavailable pre-surgery due to systemic record management issues. An unlabelled intravenous line was accidentally disconnected, highlighting a lack of clear labelling protocols.
Action Taken
(AI summary)
The University Health Board has reviewed systems for ECG storage, reinforced the use of the MUSE system, and implemented training on intravenous infusion labelling. The learnings from this incident will be shared, and the Regulation 28 report will be shared with all Clinical Boards.
Daniel Foss
All Responded
2015-0062
8 Apr 2015
Swansea Council
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary)
A serious design flaw on the Kingsway/Metro system has led to over 100 road traffic incidents, including injuries and two fatalities, involving pedestrians and coaches.
Action Planned
(AI summary)
An advisory 20 mph speed limit was introduced and temporary pedestrian barriers were installed. First Cymru is decommissioning the Metro bus and the Authority is revising the road layout, removing the eastbound bus movements along the Kingsway with an anticipated layout change in October 2015.