WOMAN DIES IN GP SURGERY AFTER WAITING DAYS FOR APPOINTMENT

Jaqueline Watkins collapsed and died in a GP surgery waiting room after being given an appointment several days after she first contacted the practice, an inquest heard. Watkins, 66, from Llanyravon, Torfaen, had been unwell at home for several days when she contacted Llanyravon Surgery near Cwmbran. The earliest appointment the practice could offer was 15:00 BST on Thursday 18 June, the hearing at Gwent Coroners' Court was told. Watkins attended the appointment and collapsed in a chair while waiting to be called, and medical staff were unable to save her.

A post-mortem examination was carried out, but no medical cause of death was given at the brief inquest hearing on Tuesday. Watkins' family raised concerns that there were "missed opportunities" in GP care that warrant investigation. The family stated they had "many unanswered questions about the advice and care given". Rose Farmer, area coroner for Gwent, confirmed that a full inquest will be held in March next year.

The case reflects broader questions about GP appointment availability and the time patients must wait to access primary care. Watkins was a mother of two. The full inquest, scheduled for March, will examine the circumstances surrounding her death in greater detail and may establish whether the delay in obtaining an appointment contributed to the outcome.