Coroner Raises Concerns Over Excess Medication in Woman’s Death

A coroner has stated that a woman, known to be dependent on her prescribed medication, received an excessive amount of these drugs in the days preceding her death. Margaret Feeney was discovered deceased at her residence by her friend and cleaner on April 1. An inquest determined her death resulted from “the combined toxic effects of prescribed medication which she had taken in excess.” The 78-year-old had a prolonged history of being prescribed depressants and painkillers. Due to her recognized dependency and overuse, she was typically issued seven-day prescriptions. A coroner has now expressed apprehension regarding the circumstances that led to her being prescribed an excessive quantity of medication shortly before her passing. Peter Nieto, the senior coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, noted in a prevention of future deaths report, released on Wednesday, that Ms Feeney received a larger than usual supply of medication due to “medical prescribing decisions and arrangements” made in anticipation of a bank holiday. On March 26, Ms Feeney attended a doctor’s appointment at Macklin Street GP Surgery in Derby, where she was given a prescription for a reduced dose of diazepam. Her existing codeine prescription remained unaltered. She collected this new prescription on March 27, having already received her standard prescription, which contained both diazepam and codeine, on March 25. At this juncture, she possessed an additional five days’ supply of diazepam. Subsequently, on March 28, Ms Feeney obtained an early codeine prescription in anticipation of the upcoming bank holiday, resulting in her having an additional four days’ worth of that particular drug. Mr. Nieto commented: “In addition to the toxicological evidence, when she was found deceased there were empty or near-empty blister packs from the excess medication prescribed to her.” He further stated that there was a “real and foreseeable risk” that Ms Feeney would consume the additional drugs. According to the report, a post-mortem examination revealed that she also suffered from pneumonia, which contributed to her demise, and exhibited a high morphine level, indicating the possible ingestion of a morphine-based substance. Mr. Nieto clarified that, based on the evidence, there was no basis to conclude that the 78-year-old had committed suicide. In the report dispatched to the GP surgery and Daynight Pharmacy, Mr. Nieto expressed apprehension that neither the surgery nor the pharmacy had adequate measures in place to prevent the over-prescription of medication to patients at risk of overdose. He explained: “This situation arises when early prescriptions are issued due to statutory holiday periods when most pharmacies are likely to be closed. “I have been informed that measures have been introduced to prevent excess prescribing by taking account of single day bank holidays, but there are no measures relating to longer bank holiday periods (e.g. Easter).” Macklin Street Surgery was approached for a statement. Daynight Pharmacy declined to provide a comment. The report was also forwarded to the NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Department of Health and Social Care. A spokesperson for NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB stated: “We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Margaret Feeney over their loss.” They added that NHS Derby and Derbyshire collaborates with GP practices and community pharmacies to uphold sound prescribing practices across all healthcare environments and will thoroughly review the report’s conclusions. The GP surgery, pharmacy, and health authorities have until January 20 to submit their responses to the coroner. For individuals impacted by the issues discussed in this article, assistance and guidance can be accessed through the BBC Action Line. Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.