Andrew john Hooper · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 23rd July 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Andrew john Hooper 44 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 14 May 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Misadventure with the cause of death being-
1a Respiratory Failure
1b Hypoxic Brain Injury
1c Methadone Toxicity

Mr. Hooper died due to methadone toxicity. He was a naïve user, and had taken a bottle of his girlfriend's ████████ prescribed medication that was freely available at her home address. Although ████████ was aware of this, she made no attempt to summon medical assistance for many hours until it was too late and Mr Hooper died from
1a respiratory failure
1b hypoxic brain injury
1c methadone toxicity

(1) The medication was not secured, and was prescribed in sufficient quantity for a fatal dose to be taken by a user un-used to this medication. (bottle 420ml)
(2) the person to whom was prescribed appeared to be unaware of the dangers of this medication, when taken by another in large quantities.

(3) Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of prescribing to an individual who is not able or prepared to keep the medication safe and secure, or is not aware of the dangers of ingestion, (deliberate or otherwise), for others. If this means daily prescription, the balance of inconvenience versus the safety of others should be carefully weighed on an individual basis, and evidence recorded in this regard.