Suffolk

Coroner Area
Reports: 93 Earliest: Apr 2014 Latest: 6 Apr 2026

77% response rate (above 63% average).

Clear 64 results
Owen Gardner
All Responded
2024-0374 15 Jul 2024
Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) A patient with cognitive deficit missed appointments because his next of kin were not consistently informed of schedules or short-notice changes, risking future adverse health outcomes.
Action Taken (AI summary) The Trust is working to improve support for people with cognitive deficits, including a policy to identify and communicate with families/carers, and documentation of next of kin. They have launched a 'Think Carer and Family' programme to ensure carers and next of kin are documented on service users’ records and the clinical team involved in the incident undertook further reflection on human factors that contributed to the incident.
Katie Madden
All Responded
2024-0295 30 May 2024
Department of Health and Social Care Home Office Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust +4 more
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Child services lacked systems to treat vulnerable parents (e.g., Claire's Law recipients) as higher risk in child care investigations, failing to assess the mental health impact of child removal processes or provide independent support. Funding for specialist therapy was also problematic.
Noted (AI summary) NSFT has asked all clinicians that receive referrals into services to identify those where treatments have been recommended by non-NSFT clinicians in order to offer an assessment prior to signposting elsewhere. CYP staff will be reminded that a referral ought to be made, staff will be reminded that a referral ought to be made, nonetheless. This aspect of identified learning shall become a dedicated focus within our annual PLO training for CYP colleagues working across our operational services to raise awareness of presenting significant MH issues, Legal Services, when accepting a new case from CYP, shall be required to discuss with social workers any relevant vulnerabilities relating to the parent(s) and a referral has been sent to the Community Safety Partnership for consideration for a domestic homicide review of this case. Norfolk and Waveney ICB states that they have reviewed their Mental Health Individual Funding Request records and have not been able to identify any Individual Funding Request being made to them on behalf of Ms Madden, for Schema-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Suffolk Constabulary notes the concerns raised but states that they conduct their own risk assessments when delivering Claire’s Law disclosures, which would include the wellbeing of the recipient of that disclosure and the delivery was conducted in accordance with policy and appropriate aftercare. The ICB will work with partners to ensure that learning and action is taken forward from this case, and the Trust has asked all its clinicians that receive referrals into mental health services to identify those where treatments have been recommended by clinicians from outside the Trust in order to offer an assessment prior to any decision being made on the most appropriate way forward. The Home Office acknowledges receipt of the report and restates commitment but describes no specific actions taken or planned.
Michael Burke
All Responded
2024-0302 5 Apr 2024
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Founda…
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Inadequate systems meant falls risk assessments were not completed or handed over during ward transfers, failing to manage patient fall risks effectively.
Action Taken (AI summary) ESNEFT sets a 6 hour assessment timeframe for falls risk assessments, from admission to hospital or change of ward. The Trust is working towards completing weekly checks on patient documentation and implements a Care Gap Analysis process for falls.
Paul Templeton
All Responded
2024-0188 5 Apr 2024
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Assessments failed to recognise that the patient's prolonged choice not to eat or drink were indications of action to end his own life and therefore he should have been considered as a suicide risk; NSFT did not fully grasp or engage with the jury's finding and did not allay concerns about future deaths.
Action Taken (AI summary) Assessors working within Willows ward have the skills and awareness required to undertake comprehensive holistic risk assessments, including the significance of food and drink. A Multi-Disciplinary Team Away Day explored the application of clinical risk assessment skills, including scenarios related to food and drink.
Ellen Woolnough
All Responded
2024-0184 28 Mar 2024
NHS England Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health related deaths Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Concerns persist regarding inadequate mental health discharge decisions, insufficient crisis team risk assessments, and downgrading of urgent referrals, with many identified safety measures remaining prospective or unimplemented by the Trust.
Noted (AI summary) NHS England acknowledges the concerns and refers to actions taken by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, including a Quality Improvement Programme, re-evaluation of training, a new SOP, and changes to the Patient Safety Screening Form. They also describe the PSIRF and its aims. Following concerns raised, the Trust has added prompts to the patient safety screening form to consider retrieving patient calls for investigation and inquest purposes. Additionally, they have extended their current recording facility in one of their CRHTT areas which went live on 15th May 2024 and have enabled phone lines designated as requiring a recording facility.
Nicola Rayner
All Responded
2024-0130 7 Mar 2024
Department of Health and Social Care
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) A severe and ongoing lack of informal Mental Health beds, both locally and nationally, directly contributed to Nicola's death and continues to pose a significant risk to other patients.
Noted (AI summary) The Department acknowledges the concerns about mental health bed capacity and refers to NHS England's work on improving community mental health services and oversight of the relevant Trust, but does not commit to specific actions beyond raising awareness.
John Gray
All Responded
2024-0028 19 Jan 2024
East Suffolk Council
Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Inadequate barriers and signage on the promenade fail to protect mobility scooter users from variable, significant drop-offs, especially if they fall asleep, risking falls onto the beach.
Action Planned (AI summary) East Suffolk Council will renew hazard line markings, investigate seasonal relevelling of sand/shingle, launch a publicity campaign on promenade hazards, install signage about fluctuating beach levels, and request a safety audit from Suffolk County Council Highways. They have already reviewed risk assessments.
Dennis King
All Responded
2024-0020 15 Jan 2024
Department of Health and Social Care East of England Ambulance service NHS England
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Significant ambulance delays and confusion in transfer categorisation between hospitals, alongside an inadequate action plan, undermined the timely delivery of urgent, centralised cardiac care.
Noted (AI summary) NHS England describes actions taken to improve ambulance performance overall and improve urgent and emergency care services, referencing the Delivery Plan for Recovering Urgent and Emergency Care Services. They also cite the national stroke improvement programme and work to improve communications between ambulance teams and PPCI centers. The East of England Ambulance Service describes actions including additional recruitment of frontline clinicians and control environment clinicians, implementation of an Operational Performance and Improvement Plan, and a review of information shared with Coroners. They have also established an Unscheduled Care Coordination Hub within Suffolk. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns and refers to actions taken by NHS England and the East of England Ambulance Service while outlining broader national initiatives to improve urgent and emergency care.
Sarah Mitchell
All Responded
2024-0012 8 Jan 2024
Department of Health and Social Care James Paget University Hospitals NHS Tr… NHS England +1 more
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) A patient received 28 days’ worth of prescribed medication in less than 48 hours, despite receiving weekly prescriptions from her GP; accident and emergency staff could not access the patient's medical records detailing the medication she was receiving and the rationale behind the dispensing regime.
Noted (AI summary) NHS England acknowledges the concerns, explains information sharing systems, refers to GMC guidance, and mentions internal discussions of PFD reports. They also refer to the Trust's response. The Trust investigated the concerns raised. A change has been made to the discharge summary to include a Primary Care Action to 'please only prescribe weekly prescriptions' when appropriate. The Department acknowledges the concerns, refers to the Trust's response, and highlights existing professional standards and NICE guidance on prescribing practices. The practice will add a note to Summary Care Records limiting medication supply after an overdose diagnosis to 48 hours, and will switch patients with multiple overdoses in 3 months to daily prescriptions.
Nuel-Junior Dzernjo
All Responded
2023-0530 18 Dec 2023
National Institute for Health and Care … Royal College of Paediatrics and Child …
Child Death (from 2015) Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) A lack of clear guidance for prescribing intravenous Acyclovir, instead of ineffective oral medication, potentially led to incorrect treatment and preventable death for the patient.
Noted (AI summary) NICE clarifies that it has not published a guideline on managing chickenpox, but it does publish a Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) on its website. They have shared the report with Agilio Software, the external company who develop the CKS. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) will share information and suggestions for local improvement from the coroner's report with its members via its patient safety portal. They are engaging with NHS England and the Patient Safety Commissioner on implementing Martha's Rule nationally and support the recommendation for a universal varicella vaccination programme.
Madeleine Savory
All Responded
2023-0452 15 Nov 2023
NHS England
Child Death (from 2015) Mental Health related deaths Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) There is a national shortage of Tier 4 beds in paediatric mental health facilities, delaying timely access to crucial care for children in need.
Noted (AI summary) NHS England is implementing improvements to the CYMPH inpatient pathway, aiming to reduce out-of-area placements and move towards community-based care; they are also developing a national admission protocol for children and young people with multi-agency partners. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns and notes NHS England's response and approach to reduce reliance on inpatient mental health beds, moving towards community-based care.
Christopher Hart
All Responded
2023-0453 9 Nov 2023
Department of Health and Social Care
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Persistent and significant ambulance non-availability in the East of England region led to extreme delays, where prompt arrival and early treatment could have saved a patient's life.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Department of Health and Social Care notes that East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) is implementing an Operational Performance and Improvement Plan to improve efficiency and maximise ambulance availability, supported by additional recruitment, call triage, and an Unscheduled Care Coordination Hub.
Gina Bywater
All Responded
2023-0435 7 Nov 2023
Department of Health and Social Care
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Persistent and severe ambulance non-availability in the East of England led to nearly 10-hour delays. Expert evidence indicates that prompt ambulance arrival and early treatment could have saved the patient's life.
Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns and outlines actions being taken by NHS England and EEAST to improve ambulance response times, including increased recruitment, clinical triage of calls, and the establishment of an Unscheduled Care Coordination Hub.
Michael Bray
All Responded
2024-0238 22 May 2023
Department of Health and Social Care East of England Ambulance Service NHS T…
Emergency services related deaths (2019 onwards) Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Ambulance response times for Category 2 calls are persistently and significantly below target, posing a risk of future deaths. Current actions to address these long delays have been demonstrably ineffective.
Action Planned (AI summary) The East of England Ambulance Service has an Organisational Performance and Improvement Plan (OPIP) to improve response times. The plan includes actions to improve national performance benchmarking and increase the work-effective workforce; they are continuing to work with NHS England and other healthcare partners to improve response times, particularly in relation to Category 2 calls. The Department of Health and Social Care's response highlights the Delivery plan for recovering urgent and emergency care services, which aims to improve ambulance response times by increasing capacity, improving patient flow, and expanding virtual ward capacity. They report improvements in Category 2 ambulance response times nationally and within the East of England Ambulance Service.
Joseph Maunick
All Responded
2023-0128 20 Apr 2023
Department of Health and Social Care NHS England
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) National care shortages force cognitively impaired patients into inappropriate Emergency Department settings, where severe staff and resource pressures prevent adequate supervision and timely transfer, increasing their risk of harm.
Noted (AI summary) NHS England is working with Integrated Care Systems to streamline pathways for older adults, including people with dementia, and is focused on improving retention and staff attendance through the NHS People Promise; they will also expand community services including more joined-up care for older people living with frailty and improve falls services. The DHSC acknowledges concerns about resourcing pressures in emergency departments and insufficient provision of care, noting that these are being monitored and that local authorities have a duty to shape their care market.
Anthony Ingram
All Responded
2023-0071Deceased 23 Feb 2023
National Police Chiefs’ Council
Suicide (from 2015)
Concerns summary (AI summary) Crucial information about a suicidal missing person, including means of suicide and transport, was not shared between police forces due to a lack of standardized cross-border protocols.
Action Planned (AI summary) The NPCC has initiated a Task and Finishing Group and developed draft advice on cross-border missing person enquiries, which has been circulated for consultation. The National Transfer form is being updated to include a section for requesting enquiries in another force and direct communication between forces.
Sylvia Price
All Responded
2023-0009Deceased 4 Jan 2023
Minister of State for Disabled People, …
Accident at Work and Health and Safety related deaths Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) The lack of enforceable requirements for clear signage identifying accessible toilet facilities in public buildings, despite its absence contributing to a death, poses a risk for future accidents.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is updating Building Regulations regarding toilet provision and preparing statutory guidance in a new Approved Document. They will hold a period of public consultation to supplement evidence already held by the department.
Paul Meadows
All Responded
2022-0201
Department of Health and Social Care Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commi…
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths Mental Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Systemic issues due to resource pressures and underfunding led to inconsistent triage, inadequate risk assessments, and safety planning failures within the First Response Service nationally.
Action Taken (AI summary) The Integrated Care System (ICS) repurposed the First Response Service to NHS111 option 2 in April 2022, which has reduced calls and improved response times. The ICS has also provided additional funding to increase capacity through voluntary sector partners and will continue working to reduce staff vacancies. The Department notes that the CQC is actively addressing patient safety issues at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust through a Section 29A Warning Notice and follow-up inspections, while NHS England supports the Trust via a Recovery Support Programme. Nationally, the department invested £111 million in 2021/22 and is implementing plans to expand the mental health workforce by over 27,000 by 2023/24.
Ethan Wright
All Responded
2022-0226 25 Jul 2022
Suffolk Highways
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) A public bridleway's junction with a main road has severely restricted visibility and lacks measures to slow down cyclists or pedestrians. This design creates a high collision risk, particularly for children.
Action Planned (AI summary) The council plans to install an illuminated 'STOP' sign, paint a white stop line, paint 'STOP' on the tarmac, and paint the existing concrete bollards with yellow and black paint. Installation is planned within 15 weeks.
Corrie McKeague
All Responded
2022-0097 1 Apr 2022
British Standards Institute, Container …
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths Other related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) In effective bin locks and the absence of an automated weight flagging system failed to detect an individual in a bin, further compounded by poor driver visibility and inadequate search tools.
Noted (AI summary) CHEM notes the concerns raised regarding public entry into containers and will welcome suggestions for additional warnings for operators. Biffa is reviewing operating instructions to ensure clarity on the use of viewing windows, reminding customers about using locks effectively, and continuing to develop relationships with charities supporting rough sleepers. Dennis Eagle explains the design intent of the side window on their refuse vehicles, stating it's for viewing the discharge of container contents and not for viewing the floor of the tailgate. BSI consulted experts and will raise the issue of bin locks when the committee next meets to discuss if changes to existing standards are appropriate.
Victoria Harrild-Jones
All Responded
2021-0386 17 Nov 2021
Ministry of Defence
Other related deaths Service Personnel related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Military personnel and dependents treated overseas receive post-operative care, specifically regarding prophylactic anti-coagulation medication, that does not comply with UK NICE guidance.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Defence Professor of General Practice has committed to add this case and reflective discussion to the mandatory course for all Defence GP trainees held in Cyprus each June. The DMS Overseas Assurance Working Group is reviewing the assurance process to create supporting policy and a common framework.
Joshua Sahota
All Responded
2021-0301 9 Sep 2021
Department of Health and Social Care Hellesdon Hospital
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Mental health wards fail to effectively communicate "restricted items" policies to families, leading to inadvertent rule breaches and hindering family support for patient safety.
Noted (AI summary) Hellesdon Hospital has implemented a complete ban on plastic bags, improved communication to families and carers, and put safeguards in place to disrupt the passage of restricted items. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns, mentions actions taken by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, points to a safety alert published in 2011, and outlines progress in reducing suicides.
Thomas Pickering
All Responded
2021-0289 20 Aug 2021
National Highways Suffolk Highways
Road (Highways Safety) related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) The apparent lack of adequate signage, such as warnings for hidden dips or recent incidents, increases the risk of future road traffic collisions at the site.
Noted (AI summary) Suffolk County Council Highways has assessed the report and agreed to install a pair of hidden dip signs north of the Wallers Farm access, facing southbound traffic and will now proceed to design suitable locations, leading to the erection of new posts and signs in due course. National Highways states that they are not responsible for the A137 and cannot comment, advising the coroner to contact Suffolk County Council instead.
Roland Stannard
All Responded
2021-0274 17 Aug 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Care Home Health related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Care home staff lacked adequate training in operating specialist pressure sore equipment, resulting in its incorrect use. This highlights a broader concern regarding the appropriate assessment for nursing care needs.
Noted (AI summary) The Minister acknowledges the concerns and outlines the responsibilities of CQC registered providers regarding staff training and care delivery. It also mentions NHS England support for care homes and the upcoming statutory inquiry into the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paul Reynolds
All Responded
2021-0151
Brittania Jinky Jersey Limited Brittania Hotels Group Limited
Other related deaths Police related deaths
Concerns summary (AI summary) Pontins' physical intervention policy was inadequate, lacking proper staff training, allowing unbadged personnel in restraints, and failing to ensure proper monitoring for positional asphyxia.
Action Planned (AI summary) The company is planning to remove ground restraint references from its Physical Intervention Policy and re-emphasise that non-badged staff are not permitted to participate in restraint. It is also investigating engaging external providers for annual refresher security training. Suffolk Constabulary has enhanced its training delivery and supporting guidance on officer assessments and use of force, and invested in a new skills management system to track training records. It is also reviewing training schedules and designing new scenarios for scene management.