UK coroners issue warning over deaths linked to ambulance delays – and say it could get worse over winter

An ambulance responds to a call in Newquay, Cornwall. Coroners in the area have raised concerns about ambulance delays causing deaths across the UK. Photograph: G Scammell/Alamy

Coroners have written damning warnings to the government over persistent crises in the NHS after multiple inquests into patient deaths following ambulance delays – and the latest in a string of cases in Birmingham linked to insufficient mental health beds.

Three coroners sent prevention of future deaths (PFD) reports to health secretary Victoria Atkins in the wake of six deaths, expressing concerns over chronic problems that present a continuing risk to patients.