The Care Quality Commission are investigating the death of a Darlington woman who was wrongly declared dead by the North East Ambulance Service, an inquest has heard.

Olive Mary Louise Martin, 51, was declared dead at her home on October 13, 2023, before being taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Last year, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed the woman had been pronounced dead by paramedics before waking up at Darlington Memorial Hospital, but later her death was confirmed.

At the time, NEAS had apologised for the "distress" to the family and said an inquiry was underway, whilst Durham Police said the actual death was "unexpected" and post-mortem tests would be carried out.

Yesterday, an inquest heard the Care Quality Commission had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

This would be carried out alongside the internal NEAS investigation, which is expected to be concluded next month.

The inquest also heard a police investigation into the incident has been completed and there will be no criminal charges.

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield discussed the inquest with a representative from the North East Ambulance Service.

He said: “On our last mention I can see there was talk of an internal investigation by the NEAS.

“From a note I have seen that has been delayed somewhat.”

He established that he would be shown a draft version of that report in early September.

Mr Chipperfield added: “Reports like that are no primary evidence. What it does do is highlight the direction of our investigation.

“It lets us know what kind of work we have ahead of us.”

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Andrew Hodge, Director of Paramedicine at North East Ambulance Service, previously 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."

Last year, a critical report was published into how NEAS ambulance workers had covered up failings and withheld evidence from inquests.