Overview

• Yorkshire Ambulance Service formally accepted a breach of duty in Hewitt’s care and issued an unreserved apology after reviewing her NHS 111 call.
• Call-handlers did not urgently refer the 35-year-old, who reported a sudden, severe headache with dizziness and vomiting, and instead told her to contact her GP.
• She was later diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, transferred to a specialist unit for surgery, and died on December 18, 2022.
• An inquest had already found a missed opportunity for earlier hospital referral and concluded that neglect contributed to her death.
• The family, represented by Irwin Mitchell, is engaging with the trust on a settlement as the service says it has implemented learning and service improvements.