Wes Streeting Meets Aaron Morris’ Widow After NEAS Failings
Wes Streeting met with Samantha Morris to discuss the tragic death of her husband Aaron and the need for NHS reforms
Aaron Morris, Samantha Morris, NEAS, NHS, Esh Winning, County Durham, Wes Streeting
Esh Winning: This week, Wes Streeting had a heartfelt meeting with Samantha Morris. She shared her story about her husband Aaron’s tragic death, which really struck a chord with him. He told her that her words would help him push for changes in the NHS.
Aaron, just 31, lost his life in a motorbike accident on July 1, 2022. A coroner noted that he might have survived if he had received quicker medical attention. The ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive, which is just unacceptable.
Streeting expressed his outrage, saying, “What happened to Aaron was appalling. Patients shouldn’t have to wait so long for help, and I’m committed to fixing this.”
Samantha, who was pregnant with twins at the time, was at the scene of the crash. It was her birthday, and she had to guide the ambulance driver to the hospital because he didn’t know the way. Talk about a tough day!
After Aaron’s inquest, Samantha called for changes, and the Northern Echo shared her story with the Health Secretary, who agreed to meet her. She traveled to London to discuss her experience with Streeting and his team.
After their meeting, Samantha felt heard and appreciated. She said, “If I can share Aaron’s story, I’ll do it forever. I want my boys to know their dad didn’t die in vain.”
Streeting assured her that he would use Aaron’s case to advocate for necessary changes in the ambulance service. He also confirmed that funding for a trauma desk at NEAS would continue, which is a step in the right direction.
He extended his condolences to Samantha and her family, emphasizing the need for improvements in ambulance response times across the country. It’s a long road ahead, but he’s determined to make a difference.
Sadly, Aaron never got to meet his twin boys, who were born three months after his passing. Samantha reflected on the mixed emotions she felt during this time, recognizing the NHS’s role in saving her babies while also grappling with her loss.
She expressed her hope that the public would use NHS services correctly to ensure better outcomes for everyone. The inquest revealed that Aaron’s death was partly due to delays in ambulance response, which is just heartbreaking.
As she continues to advocate for change, Samantha feels that her grief can lead to something positive. She’s determined to keep Aaron’s memory alive and ensure that no other family has to go through what hers did.
Laura Gabbey-Cristofini, Samantha’s solicitor, praised her for her strength and commitment to making sure that lessons are learned from this tragedy. It’s a tough journey, but Samantha is not alone in this fight.