Investigation and inquest
On the 16th June 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Timothy John Smedley.
Circumstances of the death
Against a backdrop of fluctuating emotional vulnerability, enduring alcohol addiction and depression, the deceased was found at around 17:20 hours on the 7th June 2017 in a shallow waterway at the foot of Rakewood Viaduct. He had sustained cataphric injuries. The fact of his death was confirmed by Paramedics later the same day.
The conclusion that I reached was suicide.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The lack of (joint) access to NHS records by ‘out of hours’ services such as GPs, Urgent Care Centres etc. resulting in unsafe, fragmentation of care.
2. The difficulties that patients with known alcohol addiction face in accessing appropriate and timely mental health services, alongside an apparent lack of awareness surrounding the complexities their presentation.