THE DEATHS of four patients at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd are to be investigated further by a coroner.

The deaths have been referred to North Wales East and Central coroner John Gittins by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board following an independent review into vascular services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

The inquests were opened by coroner John Gittins at County Hall in Ruthin on Tuesday.

Keith Hyde, Edmund Jones, Alan George and Anthony Clemett were all being treated at the hospital for blood vessel and circulation problems.

Retired maintenance worker Keith Hyde, aged 77, of Marion Villas, Rhyl, died on December 5, 2020; retired engineer Edmund Jones, aged 78, of Eastville Avenue, Rhyl, died on November 22, 2020; retired electrician Alan George, aged 81, of The Nook, Holywell, died on December 15, 2020 and retired teacher Anthony Clemett, aged 81, of Pentre Clawdd, Meifod, Powys, died on January 1, 2021.

The inquest heard that the cases were referred to the coroner following reviews the health board had asked for, which looked at the clinical records of 44 patients regarding concerns around vascular care and treatment.

Mr Gittins said: "The review identified four cases which the health board decided should be given my further consideration and appropriately so."

He said initial inquiries found that it wasn't necessary for him to conduct further investigations into the deaths.

He said: "As is sometimes the case there can be unnatural elements associated with a natural cause of death, and additional information from the health board review and medical records, plus concerns in relation to vascular services, resulted in my view that these were now matters best dealt with by further investigation and should take place by way of the opening of a coroner's inquest."

The coroner said he would deal with the cases individually but there would be an examination of all the cases in relation to vascular services. Mr Gittins said the outcomes of the inquest would determine the appropriate course of action.

The inquests were adjourned to future dates.