Investigation and inquest
On 26th February 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Alexander George Ball, Age - 50. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 29th January 2015.
Circumstances of the death
(3) On the night of the 20th February 2014 the deceased was found unresponsive lying on his bed at his home at 5 The Crescent, Thornhill. He was on a methadone programme and prescribed antidepressants. He also accessed illicit drugs including diazepam, phenazepam, heroin and cannabis in the days before his death. He saw a Psychiatrist on the 7th January, his General Practitioner on the 11th February and his Drugs Counsellor on the 20th February. He was on a waiting list for the allocation of a Care Co-ordinator. He died as a result of ingestion of both prescription and illicit drugs. This followed a deliberate overdose of street diazepam on about the 1st February and recommencing the use of heroin on about the 16th February. There is no evidence that the ingestion of the drugs which resulted in his death was done with the intention of ending his life. On the balance of probabilities the appointment of a Care Co-ordinator would have aided communication between those caring for him, and that an earlier referral to Mental Health Services may have resulted in benefits to his mental wellbeing.
Coroner’s concerns
There was a lack of communication between the Partnership Trust and other agencies. The position was exacerbated by the absence of a dedicated Care Co-ordinator.