John Winsworth, a retired insurance underwriter, was found on the floor of his city home on Valentine’s Day this year. An ambulance was called at 11.55 am, but crews did not arrive at his home until 9.30 am the following day. John was then taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where he had to wait another four hours before being admitted to the emergency department. It was later discovered that he had suffered a small brain bleed, and although his condition initially improved, he suddenly deteriorated and passed away on February 21.
While the delays in John’s case were not directly linked to his death, it has raised concerns for Norfolk’s senior coroner, Jacqueline Lake. She has written to the health secretary, Steve Barclay, and the Department of Health and Social Care to express her worries. Mrs. Lake has made a report to prevent future deaths related to the delays and the ongoing pressure on both the ambulance service and the hospital’s A&E department. She believes that unless action is taken, there is a risk of future deaths.
This is not the first time that Mrs. Lake has raised concerns about NHS delays. In January of this year, she published a report following the death of Lyn Brind, a 61-year-old who died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a four-hour wait in the back of an ambulance. This delay caused crucial signs of heart failure to be missed. Mrs. Lake also highlighted the case of 88-year-old Kyriacos Athanasis, who faced delays in receiving medical attention, as well as the 86-year-old Geoffrey Hoad, who experienced a 14-hour wait for hospital transfer. The Department of Health and Social Care is required to respond to Mrs. Lake’s concerns by November 24.
Overall, Mrs. Lake’s report emphasizes the need for urgent action to address NHS delays. The case of John Winsworth and the previous instances highlight the potential risks and consequences of these delays. Prompt and efficient healthcare services are crucial in saving lives and preventing further complications. The Department of Health and Social Care must take immediate steps to alleviate the pressures faced by the ambulance service and A&E departments to minimize the risk of future deaths due to delays. It is essential that swift action is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of patients in the healthcare system.
