Investigation and inquest
On 19th January 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Elaine Inns. The investigation concluded on the 21st July 2021 and the conclusion was one of accidental death . The medical cause of death was 1a Combined toxic effects of ethanol, gabapentin, amitriptyline, tramadol and oxycodone
Circumstances of the death
On 18th January 2021 Elaine Michelle Inns was found at her home address ████████, Leamington Road. Police enquiries found that there were no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of third party involvement in her death. Post mortem examination included toxicology and found an excessive amount of alcohol in her system, which in combination with prescribed painkillers had led to her death.
Coroner’s concerns
The inquest heard that Elaine Inns continued to be prescribed a combination of medication including a number of powerful painkillers although it was well understood that she was also using alcohol in significant quantities whilst taking her prescribed medication. The evidence before the court also indicated that she would use the prescribed liquid morphine without clearly following the recommended dosage instructions. She continued to be prescribed it.