A 16-year-old boy tragically died after waiting nine hours for an ambulance, raising serious concerns about emergency response times in Wales.
Cardiff: A heartbreaking incident unfolded when a 16-year-old boy named Jackson Yeow waited nine hours for an ambulance. His mother called 999 after his gastritis symptoms worsened. Sadly, he lost consciousness before help arrived.
Jackson was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, where doctors diagnosed him with several serious conditions. Despite intensive treatment, he passed away a few days later. This tragic case has raised alarms about the ambulance service’s response times.
Coroner David Regan criticized the health board for normalizing care in corridors. He pointed out that this practice slows down ambulance handovers and affects patient care. It’s a serious issue that needs addressing.
The ambulance service admitted that delays were due to crews waiting at hospitals to hand over patients. This situation is not just about Jackson; it affects many others in need of urgent care.
Regan’s report emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent future tragedies. The health board has 56 days to respond to these concerns. It’s a wake-up call for the entire system.
In December, the Welsh Ambulance Service declared a critical incident due to overwhelming demand and delays. This incident highlights the urgent need for improvements in emergency services across Wales.
