Investigation and inquest
On 18th April 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Darren James CARRINGTON. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 6th June 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was MISADVENTURE BEING IMPULSIVE OVERDOSE WHILST UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL (DRUG RELATED DEATH)
Circumstances of the death
I am enclosing a copy of the Record of Inquest and also the letter from the Controlled Drug Liaison Officer for the City of Brighton and Hove, ████████ which is self-explanatory
Coroner’s concerns
The method of prescribing medication such as Zopiclone (in this case), Codeine, Morphine, Benzodiazepines etc. to patients which suggests that they either are or are very likely to be becoming dependent upon such medications or are misusing them.
Examples of both the above would be too frequent requests for repeat prescriptions and information concerning a history of overdoses.
The Inquest discussed whether circumstances, including those outlined above should trigger an automatic/mandatory medication review conducted with the patient; consideration of a different prescribing period and very careful monitoring of the online requests for repeat prescriptions.
Alternatively, there could be a ban on the requests for repeat prescriptions with the repeats simply being issued for an appropriate period of time “automatically”.
In this case as you will see from ████████ report, over twice the appropriate amount of Zopiclone was issued over a period of 57 days.
The patient in question had Zopiclone present at a fatal level in his blood at the time of his collapse from which he never recovered.
I remain very worried about these prescribing issues and about the fact that apparently receptionists and clinicians can override the warnings in the surgery’s computer system. I should like this to be carefully investigated and look forward to hearing with a response within the relevant time period.
I realise that the situation may be exacerbated by GPs working part time and many part time practitioners being involved in the prescribing procedure as well as many receptionists being involved in it but if this is the trend then it seems to me the safeguards must be extended not made easier to override.
The other ‘failsafe device’ is the dispensing pharmacist. When repeats are requested online there is a designated pharmacy. They receive emailed scripts. Their own systems should flag up cases of over or too frequent prescribing as well as other matters.