Jennifer Anne Lacey · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 1st September 2018, evidence was heard touching the death of Jennifer Anne Lacey. Ms Lacey had been found deceased in Room 122 of the Travelodge Hotel in Morden on the 4th June 2018. She was 51 years old at the time of her death. The findings of the court were as follows:

Medical Cause of Death

1 (a) Cardiorespiratory failure
(b) Tramadol and alcohol poisoning.

How, when and where the deceased came by her death:

Jenny struggled with alcohol dependence from her teenage years. She also reported feelings of suicidality. On 4/6/2018 she was discovered deceased in a hotel room.

She had consumed a large amount of alcohol and 210 tables of tramadol, half of which at least she had obtained over the internet.

Conclusion of the Coroner as to the death:

Suicide

Evidence taken at the inquest confirmed that Jenny had obtained 100 tablets of tramadol 50 mg via a prescription issued by a doctor registered in Prague, who had never seen her and had no access to her medical records, nor had communicated with her GP. She had simply consulted with him over the internet and filled in an online questionnaire. It was not clear how she had obtained the other tablets.

1. That such potentially dangerous and addictive drugs are so freely available over the internet.
2. That they can be prescribed without any contact with the patient’s regular medical practitioner or access to the patient’s medical records.
3. That such prescriptions of such potentially dangerous and addictive drugs may be being filled in UK pharmacies without any further checks.