Despite efforts by medical staff to save her, a mother died at her GP surgery after waiting days for an appointment. Her family now say they have so many unanswered questions surrounding the advice and care given
A mum collapsed and died in a GP surgery after days of waiting for an appointment, an inquest heard.
Jacqueline Watkins, 66, had spent several days trying to see a doctor after feeling unwell before finally securing an appointment at her GP surgery in Llanyravon, Wales. Gwent Coroners’ Court heard she collapsed while sitting in a chair in the waiting room after arriving for the appointment on Thursday, June 18.
Despite desperate efforts by medical staff to save her, Jaqueline was pronounced dead at the surgery. Her family has since raised concerns there were “missed opportunities” in the GP care she received and said they wanted those issues to be fully investigated.
The inquest heard Jacqueline had contacted Llanyravon Surgery earlier that week after becoming unwell at home. The earliest appointment available was 3pm on Thursday June 18 when she attended the practice before collapsing.
An inquest into her death was opened at Gwent Coroners’ Court on Tuesday, although no medical cause of death was given during the brief hearing. Area coroner Rose Farmer confirmed a post-mortem examination had been carried out and that a full inquest will take place in March next year.
Following her death, Jacqueline’s daughter, Donna Evans, paid tribute to her mum in an emotional Facebook post. She wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jacqueline Watkins, of Hawarden Green, Llanyravon, yesterday afternoon at Llanyravon Doctors surgery.
“Mum had lived in Llanyravon all her life, and leaves behind her devoted partner of 26 years, Keith Berry, and a family utterly devastated by this very unexpected loss. The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind of sorrow and we have many unanswered questions about the advice and care given this week.”
Friends also paid tribute to Jaqueline in the comments. Rachel Osullivan wrote: “Im so very very sorry for your loss your mum was a lovely lady served her twice a week in the pet shop by morrisons. We always had a laugh with her and Keith.
“Bless her she told me she didn’t feel well Thursday morning. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.”
The hearing was adjourned while further investigations are carried out.