Coroners issue 24 warnings over emergency care crisis
Coroners have warned of increasing numbers of deaths caused by problems in the emergency pathway, with some citing ‘severe’ staffing shortages.
HSJ has identified that at least 24 “prevention of future death” reports were sent to NHS organisations in England and Wales in the first half of 2023, which noted shortcomings within emergency services.
In six of the 24 cases, coroners found ambulance, emergency room and other delays caused or contributed to patient deaths.
Source: HSJ 1 August 2023