A NEW app has been launched to ensure ambulance technicians get advice from paramedics after an elderly woman was left at home rather than being taken to hospital following a fall.

Margaret Neill, 90, from Northallerton, died on December 3, 2018, five days after sustaining a fall at home.

The inquest at Northallerton's Evolution Centre heard Mrs Neill fell over on November 28, 2018, at the home she shared with her daughter Moira Neill, who rang 999 straight away.

Miss Neill said: "The paramedic did some checks and I told them about her taking blood thinning medication, but they didn't take her to hospital. Mum went to sleep in her chair and when she woke up at 3pm she was confused and unable to speak properly."

Miss Neill took her mother to The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, and a CT scan revealed she had suffered a major bleed on the brain.

Mark Millins from Yorkshire Ambulance Service said the technicians which assessed Mrs Neill were not paramedics – and should have called the clinical hub to discuss her treatment.

He said: "We have developed a new app which gives alerts to all technicians so they are aware of the guidelines in checking with paramedics when dealing with elderly patients on blood thinning medication." Coroner Rob Turnbull recorded a conclusion of accidental death.