A man tragically passed away after being left without vital epilepsy medication
Leeds: A heartbreaking incident unfolded when a man named David Crompton, 44, died after a fall at home. He had epilepsy and was left without his crucial medication.
On December 13, David fell down the stairs, leading to a brain injury and cardiac arrest. The inquest revealed that his pharmacy had given him an ‘IOU’ for his anti-epileptic meds.
David was supposed to be taking Tegretol, but he had gone without it for about ten days earlier that year. This lack of medication caused him to fall back in April.
In December, he faced the same issue again. The pharmacy left an IOU note when they delivered other medications, leaving him without his essential Tegretol once more.
The coroner, Kevin McLoughlin, expressed concern over how long David went without his medication. He noted that it was troubling that family members had to find alternative pharmacies themselves.
After the April incident, doctors warned that the absence of Tegretol likely contributed to David’s seizures. It raises questions about whether any lessons were learned from these dangerous situations.
The coroner has sent a report to Midway Pharmacy and the General Pharmaceutical Council, asking for responses by February 27.
Clare Pelham, from the Epilepsy Society, emphasized the need for an urgent review of the medication supply chain. She expressed her condolences to David’s family and friends.
She questioned how someone could die due to a medication shortage in the UK and urged the government to take immediate action.
Clare called for a task force with strong leadership to address these issues, hoping that David’s tragic death would prompt necessary changes.
Midway Pharmacy has been contacted for a comment on the situation.
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