Depth of NHS crisis is revealed by coroners’ courts reports

Katie Wilkins, aged 14, had a rare form of leukaemia. She died in July 2020 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. NHS neglect was ruled to have been a factor in her death. Photograph: Jeanette Whitfield

NHS waiting times, staff shortages and service backlogs have been flagged as concerns in relation to dozens of patient deaths across England and Wales since the start of last year, the Observer can reveal, with coroners facing a succession of inquests concerning ambulance delays.

Coroners issue prevention of future deaths reports (PFDs) when they believe preventive action should be taken, and send them to relevant individuals or organisations, which are expected to respond.