Investigation and inquest
On 27th June 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Michael KIRBY. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 28th November 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was HE TOOK HIS OWN LIFE.
Circumstances of the death
See Record of Inquest
The published report provides this section by reference to another part of the report.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The delay in dealing with Mr Kirby between August 2017 and March 2018.
(2) I am concerned about the decision to ask him to complete ADHD questionnaires and apparently suggest that he should be prescribed Concerta.
(3) I am concerned that although ████████ told me he had made a diagnosis of ADHD in October 2017 he did not follow the NICE Guidance, inform the GP, start prescribing, consider alternatives to prescribing, have a formal note made of the consultation with John when the impact of this diagnosis was discussed with him or discuss the diagnosis with his immediate next of kin.
(4) On the last occasion when John was seen, ie. on March the 20th diagnosis of ADHD was discussed and ████████ decided not to prescribe Concerta. A few weeks later, in April, he received a letter from Mr Kirby’s GP explaining that John wanted to be prescribed Concerta and also saying that he had had an admission to A&E.
This did not provoke any further review of Mr Kirby, he was simply prescribed the medication without any discussion as to his previous drug abuse or current dependence on Diazepam, suicidal tendencies or binge drinking. This is outwith the Guidance issued by NICE.
(5) Why was Mr Kirby prescribed Concerta without any (further) review?
(6) Why was he not properly monitored as he should have been had the NICE Guidance been adhered too?
(7) Even if Concerta had not been prescribed the GP letter and the information in the electronic records as to the A&E admission on the 4th-5th April should have alerted the Trust to the information John had given that he was suicidal and “wanted to die”.
(8) Why did those interviewing John in A&E not take more details of the suicide attempt when he said that recently he had tried to hang himself and only failed because the rope broke?