999 calls system change after mistakes in death of student

CHANGES have been made to the systems used by 999 call handlers after the death of a 33-year-old nursing student.

- HOLLY MORGAN

University of South Wales student Amy Louise Hortop called the Welsh Ambulance Service asking for medical guidance after cutting her wrist.

Hours later, a taxi driver arrived at her address in North Cornelly, Bridgend, to take Ms Hortop to hospital and found her unresponsive on her living-room floor, an inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard.

After the student's death, the systems used by call handlers working in Wales were changed after what the inquest heard were “grave mistakes” made by those who dealt with the case.

Ms Hortop grew up in Devon, but was studying at university to become a mental health nurse and was living in Bridgend at the time of her death.

Her family explained in their evidence that she was diagnosed with autism and she suffered with anxiety and a personality disorder.

The court heard that from 4.30am on the day, Ms Hortop was in contact with emergency services, who decided she could only be treated by hospital staff.