Conclusion statement for Andrew Watson inquest - Friday 24 July 2026

Karen O’Brien, Deputy Chief Executive at North East Ambulance Service, said:

“We are truly sorry for Andrew’s death and the distress caused to his family. We did not respond as quickly as we should have when he called us, and we have always acknowledged that this delay likely contributed to his death.

“We have taken significant steps since 2019 to reduce the delays to ambulance responses, which has included substantial investment in more paramedics and more ambulances. Today, our service is performing more strongly and reaching people faster.

“The coroner highlighted flaws in our investigation and governance processes at that time which was extensively reported upon in 2023 and have been addressed with oversight from NHS England.

“This has been a profoundly tragic case which has had an impact on everyone involved. We hope the inquest has provided answers for the family, although we know it does not ease the pain of their loss.”