‘Generalized’ corridor treatment destroyed by coroner

A health board which “normalised” treating emergency patients in corridors has been criticized by a coroner.

David Regan, said the “unsafe” practice compromised the patient’s hygiene, nutrition and ability to sleep.

Mr Regan issued a report to Cwm Taff Morganwg University Health Board into the prevention of future deaths during the investigation of a 16-year-old boy who died after waiting nine hours for an ambulance.

I believe you and your organization have the power to take such action,” he told the health board.

Jackson Yeow was unable to attend a GP appointment on April 4, 2022 after his gastritis symptoms worsened.

His mother called 999, but despite calling several times, an ambulance did not arrive until approximately nine and a half hours later when he became unconscious.

Mr Regan said the ambulance service described the call as life threatening and requiring an immediate response.

He was eventually taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, pancreatitis, cerebral edema, kidney failure, and severe acidosis.

Despite “intensive” treatment, his condition deteriorated and he died on April 9, 2022.

During its inquiry on Monday, the ambulance service said its ability to respond to calls had been “significantly impaired” because a large number of its ambulance staff were arriving late to hospitals, waiting to hand over patients. Was staying.

Although the Cwm Taff Health Board did not provide direct care to Jackson when he became ill, his inquiry was told of the impact of the board’s delay in handing over an ambulance to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.

Mr Regan said care for patients in the emergency department is “often” provided in corridors and other non-clinical spaces, which “can slow down the ambulance handover process”.

It also hinders “efficient clinical assessment”, taking more time for physicians to perform tasks, and hinders “the ability of staff to recognize a patient’s worsening condition,” he said.

“Care in corridors and other non-clinical spaces has been normalised, which is unsafe in the opinion of the consultant who gave evidence,” Me Regan said.

“When done routinely, care in corridors and other non-clinical spaces reduces emergency department capacity.”

The Chief Executive will have 56 days to respond to the report.

Copies were also sent to the Welsh Government, the Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and the Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale Health Board.

In December, the Welsh Ambulance Service declared a serious incident Due to significantly increased demand and extensive handover delays.

The service, which covers more than three million people in Wales, said there were more than 340 calls waiting to be answered at the time.