Carol Ann Robinson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 19th May 2022 I commenced an investigation into the death of Carol Ann Robinson aged 70 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 22nd March 2023. The conclusion of the inquest a narrative conclusion:

“Mrs Robinson died as a result of an overdose of medication. The evidence does not reveal her intention at the time of taking the overdose.”

On the 7 May 2022, Carol Robinson called a family member to report that she had taken an overdose of medication (quantity and identity of medication unknown). The family member called the emergency services and ambulance service personnel attended. The first response paramedic tried to elicit the history, but was unable to determine from Mrs Robinson what medication had been taken. There was a delay in conveying Mrs Robinson to hospital, in the order of around 50 minutes, but there is no evidence that this delay contributed to her death. Mrs Robinson was taken to Queen's Hospital where a diagnosis of mixed drug toxicity, on the background of severe co-morbidities, was made. She was provided with intensive care. Sadly she did not recover and she passed away at Queen's Hospital on the 8 May 2022. By way of background, Mrs Robinson had taken an overdose in March 2022 and had received care from the mental health home treatment team. On the 25 April 2022 she was discharged back to the care of the general practitioner. She was not assessed by a doctor in the home treatment team before her discharge and she did not receive a comprehensive risk assessment in the days leading up to her discharge. Whilst such assessments and reviews should have taken place, it is not possible to conclude that they would have prevented her death. It is noted that there were no documented concerns about her mental health between the 26 April and the 6 May 2022.

1. Mrs Robinson did not receive a medical review by a doctor within the Home Treatment Team prior to her discharge back to the care of her GP on the 25th April 2022.

2. Mrs Robinson did not receive a comprehensive risk assessment prior to her discharge from the Home Treatment Team on the 25th April 2022.

3. There was no multi-disciplinary team discussion to ensure a safe community plan following discharge from the Home Treatment Team. There was no communication with regard to the withdrawal of the Home Treatment Team’s input, with the domiciliary care agency or family of Mrs Robinson.