Mother-of-two Jaqueline Watkins, 66, died at a GP surgery after waiting days for an appointment, an inquest opening has heard. Ms Watkins, who lived in Llanyravon, Cwmbran, had been feeling unwell for several days and tried to get a doctor's appointment.
Collapse at Surgery
Gwent Coroners' Court heard that she was booked in at Llanyravon Surgery later in the week for an appointment but collapsed while sitting in a chair in the waiting room. Despite efforts from medical staff to save her, Ms Watkins was pronounced dead at the practice near Cwmbran.
Ms Watkins had called the surgery earlier in the week but the earliest appointment they could offer was 3pm on Thursday, June 18. She attended that appointment and collapsed in the chair.
Family Concerns
Her family have raised concerns that there were "missed opportunities" in GP care that need to be investigated. In a statement, the family said: "We have many unanswered questions about the advice and care given."
An inquest was opened on Tuesday morning but no medical cause of death was given at the brief hearing. Rose Farmer, area coroner for Gwent, confirmed that a post-mortem was carried out and that a full inquest will be held in March next year.
Tributes to 'Lovely Lady'
In an online tribute, Ms Watkins was described as a "lovely lady." Her daughter Donna said: "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 unexpected loss."
The hearing was adjourned for investigations to be carried out. The family continues to seek answers about the care provided leading up to her death.
