Investigation and inquest
On the 24th October 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of MARTIN LEE TILLEY. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on Tuesday 6th March 2018.
The conclusion of the inquest was
Drug Related death.
The medical cause of death was
1a) Drug and Alcohol Toxicity
Circumstances of the death
The deceased had a long history of substance misuse. He also had a significant history of mental health problems. He had been seen by the psychiatric nurse attached to the Homeless Healthcare Team. His last appointment from the records provided to the inquest was in July 2017.
On 17th October 2017, Martin Tilley was found deceased from the combined toxic effects of prescribed and non-prescribed medication.
Coroner’s concerns
Prior to Mr Tilley's last appointment with the psychiatric nurse (CPN) attached to the Homeless Healthcare Team in July 2017 he was talking of self-harm, had suicidal thoughts and was apparently experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations. It appears that after not attending an appointment with the CPN in July Mr Tilley was no longer seen by the team.
Prior to the inquest the Homeless Healthcare Team were asked to explain the circumstances in which such a presentation would result in a referral for an emergency assessment by a psychiatrist or the tertiary mental health services. No answer to this question was forthcoming. Furthermore there was no evidence that Mr Tilley was followed up by the Homeless Healthcare Team after July 2017.