Emlyn Roberts

Whilst there was no direct evidence at the inquest to establish whether or not the outcome may have been different if Mr Roberts had received earlier medical care and attention, the delay in the attendance of the ambulance is significant and unacceptable.

Coroner's Office, County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN | It is recognised that the reasons for such delay are multifactorial and both I and my Assistant Coroners have issued multiple previous reports for the prevention of future deaths expressing similar concerns. One of my earliest such reports expressing concern regarding ambulance response times, was in relation to a death in March 2013 and yet more than ten years later this problem has become significantly worse rather than better.

It is understood that the matter of ambulance delays is not solely a matter for WAST hence this report being sent to those organisations involved in its impact across the Health Board area (to include the provision of social care where patients are medically fit for discharge from hospitals but without adequate placements / care in the community).

I remain significantly concerned not only that delays are continuing and that deaths will continue to occur into the future, but also that there is inadequate cohesive forward thinking or planning either in relation short term pressures (eg. winter pressures) or with a view to finding longer term solutions.