Patient who was declared dead by ambulance workers woke up in hospital hours later

'We are deeply sorry for the distress this has caused them'

The individual, who was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital on Friday, was declared dead by ambulance staff following an incident earlier that day.

However later that day the patient woke up in the hospital before being certified alive.

The patient has not been identified nor has their current condition been confirmed.

Director of Paramedicine, Andrew Hodge, said: "As soon as we were made aware of this incident, we opened an investigation and contacted the patient's family.

"We are deeply sorry for the distress that this has caused them.

"A full review of this incident is being undertaken and we are unable to comment any further at this stage.

"The colleagues involved are being supported appropriately and we will not be commenting further about any individuals at this point."

This news comes five months on from a report into ambulance staff covering up wrongdoings.

Following the report Dame Marianne Griffiths paid tribute to the families who had faced the consequences of such negligence, saying: "It is clear that they are not only devastated by the loss of their loved ones but also by the ambulance service's response to the legitimate questions about their care."

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