A mother of two collapsed and died at her GP surgery in Llanyravon, Wales, after spending days trying to secure an appointment, an inquest has heard. Jacqueline Watkins, 66, had been feeling unwell for several days before finally booking an appointment at Llanyravon Surgery for Thursday, June 18. She collapsed in a waiting room chair shortly after arriving and, despite resuscitation efforts by medical staff, was pronounced dead at the surgery.
Family Raises Concerns Over Missed Opportunities
The family of Jacqueline Watkins has voiced concerns about the care she received, suggesting there were “missed opportunities” in her GP care. Her daughter, Donna Evans, said the family has many unanswered questions about the advice and care given during the week leading up to her mother’s death. In an emotional Facebook post, Evans wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jacqueline Watkins… 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.”
Inquest Details and Timeline
The inquest, opened at Gwent Coroners’ Court on Tuesday, heard that Jacqueline had contacted the surgery earlier that week but the earliest available appointment was 3pm on Thursday, June 18. She attended the practice and collapsed before being seen. Area coroner Rose Farmer confirmed a post-mortem examination had been carried out, but no medical cause of death was given during the brief hearing. A full inquest is scheduled for March 2027.
Tributes from the Community
Friends paid tribute to Jacqueline, with Rachel Osullivan recalling that she served her twice a week at a pet shop and that Jacqueline had mentioned feeling unwell on Thursday morning. The hearing was adjourned pending further investigations.
