Jake Richards represents the family of Emma May at inquest

News | Fri 28th Jul, 2017

Jake Richards represented the family of Emma May at an Inquest, regarding her death from overdose of the pain-relief drug tramadol.

Emma died in June 2016, after growing increasingly reliant on and then addicted to tramadol. She leaves behind six children and her husband, Paul May.

The inquest focused on how Emma was able to receive so many prescriptions in the months leading to her death. Despite previous warnings, Emma’s prescription rate was maintained and then increased. She was also able to use third-party prescriptions for her own purposes.

Jake Richards questioned the GPs who had continued to prescribe Emma tramadol on their own actions and decisions in the months and weeks preceding Emma’s death, but also the Practices’ processes and guidance as to prescribing drugs to individuals suspected of misuse and the prescription of controlled drugs to third-parties. For example, the prescription of tramadol for children without examination via a parent, especially if they have a history of drugs misuse. The GPs accepted that there were lessons to learn. Accordingly, the Coroner decided to send a report and letter to the Head of the Practice with his findings and concerns.

The Inquest was reported in both national and local media, please see the press coverage here.