'Paramedics should have more power to enter homes'

Paramedics should have more power in entering homes where there is a concern for people's welfare, a coroner's report has stated.

It follows the death of 74-year-old Peter Ramsden, from Hull, who had not been seen for two months before his body was found at home.

Under section 17 of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984, police can enter and search premises without a warrant in certain scenarios, but medical services do not have this power.

The prevention of future death (PFD) report, by Hull coroner Prof Paul Marks, has been sent to the Home Office, which has been contacted for comment.

A PFD report is issued when a coroner thinks action is needed to protect lives.

The report explained that "situations could and will arise where time-sensitive pathological processes require emergency treatment to save life".

Evidence at Mr Ramsden's inquest heard that there were concerns about his welfare from neighbours and paramedics had attended on one occasion but had no powers of entry.

The police did not get involved in this case as it was thought he had not been seen due to a medical problem, the report said.

He was then found dead on 2 January "in an advanced state of decomposition", and his death, on balance, was put down to natural causes.

Mr Ramsden had a medical history of hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidaemia, poor mobility and chronic alcohol excess, the report said.

He gave the Home Office until 2 September to respond to the report with a "timetable for action".

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