Overwhelming “barrier of pain” led to death

(SANEPR.com) May 29, 2009 -- Adrian Blackwell was found dead, aged 36, in his flat on 28th February 2004 by his brother. He had suffered from severe depression and psychoses following a serious motorbike accident in 1986 which had left him with severe head and spinal injuries.

The inquest heard that Adrian had been receiving psychiatric care since 2002 and had attempted to commit suicide that same year. Adrian’s family had concerns about the volume, strength and type of medication Adrian had been given.

After the inquest, Adrian’s father Jamie Bush thanked his “hard-working” legal team and spoke of the family’s frustration with the length of the inquest process and their disillusion with the medical profession.

“We have waited over five years to have our questions answered and it has caused a lot of worry. Losing my son was bad enough but all these delays have been like they are sticking a knife into you.”

Adrian had been a good and popular lad who was interested in motorbikes and had lots of friends, but he changed after his accident and was in constant pain. He couldn’t sleep, became very depressed and had to live in sheltered accommodation.

I was most impressed with the Coroner and am grateful that he listened so patiently to all the evidence, but I still feel disillusioned with the medical profession because Adrian was able to stockpile drugs which were fatal in overdose.”

Returning a narrative verdict, HM Coroner Mr David Roberts said, “I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Blackwell did take his own life and intended to do so…. It was patently clear that he was getting substantial support from his family.…but none of that could penetrate that barrier of pain. It is a very tragic situation for a young man and a terrible blow for his family.”

The family’s solicitor Victoria Watson, a clinical negligence expert from Burnetts in Carlisle, said this case also highlighted the unfairness of the Legal Aid system.

She said, “It has been very difficult for the family to find out the exact circumstances of Adrian’s death and they have really needed our help to get this far. However, unlike the Trust, the Consultant and the GP, Adrian’s family did not have help with their legal costs as they did not qualify for publicly funded legal representation. Burnetts is a Legal Aid practice but, because Legal Aid is only available for inquests in very rare circumstances, Adrian’s family have not been able to get financial help with their costs. It’s a very unfair system.”

The inquest took place on 27th and 28th May at The Old Courts in Carlisle.

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