Investigation and inquest
On 8th August 2019, I commenced an investigation into the death of Wendy Margaret Wilkes . The investigation concluded on the 18th February 2020 and the conclusion was one of Narrative: Alcohol related death exacerbated by concomitant use of medication.
The medical cause of death was 1a) Ethanol toxicity on a background of concomitant use of gabapentin, zopiclone, diazepam and amitriptyline; II) Alcohol related fatty liver disease
Circumstances of the death
Wendy Margaret Wilkes was found on 6th August 2019 at her home address, ████████ Denton. Toxicology found ethanol at a fatal level along with evidence of concomitant use of gabapentin (prescribed), zopiclone, diazepam, and amitriptyline (prescribed) in her blood and urine which would have exacerbated the depressant effects of the alcohol on her central nervous and respiratory system.
Coroner’s concerns
The inquest heard that there was no clear system of alert notes/follow up review appointments at her GP practice despite the extent of the prescribed medication;
The inquest heard that the GP practice did not appear to have a system to ensure that prescribers were aware that her alcohol use was high and to assess the risk of mixing alcohol with the prescribed medication.