Derek Larkin · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 31st August 2021, an investigation was commenced into the death of Derek Larkin, born on the 10th January 1964.

The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 12th January 2023

The Medical Cause of Death was:

1a Fatal intoxication with morphine.

2 Chronic Ischaemic heart disease with Stenosing Atherosclerosis of the Coronary arteries

The conclusion of the Inquest recorded

Accidental death.

Derek Larkin had a known history of misusing his prescription medications. He had been living at home with a care package of support that included live in carers, up until his admission to hospital he had been dealt with by his local GP practice. He was admitted to Royal Bournemouth Hospital, on the 21st January 2021, suffering from Covid and pneumonia, he was successfully treated.

On the 8th March 2021 he was discharged from hospital, he was not able to return home and went to reside in a care home. Whilst resident there he was dealt with by a different GP practice. He was prescribed medication.

Dorset Council Adult Social Care were responsible for him and had drawn up a Care Plan. Derek Larkin wished to return to his home address and made this known to Adult Social Care in a telephone conversation on the 19th April 2021. Dorset Council liaised with the previous care providers the occupational health team, through a brokerage system they located a different care provider and made arrangements for Derek Larkin to return home on the 20th May 2021. Evidence from healthcare professionals at the inquest confirmed that Derek Larkin had capacity. On the 2nd June 2021 Derek Larkin was found deceased at home by a carer. A post mortem examination demonstrated that he had overdosed on his prescription morphine.

From the evidence at the inquest, it is clear that Dorset Council Adult Social Care would have benefited from having knowledge of the medications that had been prescribed. It is clear that family members raised concerns with Adult Social Care about Derek Larkin’s access to medication. In addition Adult Social Care would have benefited from any further information from the current GP practice together with his regular GP practice to enable them to consider what might be included within his care plan to include where the medication might be stored and whether it was to be administered by care staff or whether Derek Larkin was self-administering his medication.

There is no evidence that the Dorset Council Adult Social Care computer system Mosaic can communicate with the NHS SystemOne. The Adult Social Care team would benefit from having information about the medication being prescribed to a patient, with the patient’s consent, and when that medication was last reviewed. Dorset Council Adult Social Care would benefit from information held by a current or former GP practice as to a patient’s medication and how to manage any particular concerns raised by health care professionals or family where a patient is able to independently manage his medication.