South Lynn mother died from overdose
A SOUTH Lynn mother with a history of kidney problems died from a multi-drug overdose after suffering serious pain over a number of days, an inquest heard this week.
Maria McConnell (41) died on December 16, the day of her son Jamie's 21st birthday, when she was admitted to Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after her mother found her in a delirious state at her Wisbech Road home.
An inquest at Lynn County Court on Wednesday heard that Miss McConnell had complained of serious illness on December 13. A paramedic visited her at home and diagnosed a possible urinary tract infection.
She was given a course of medication but was later told to change tablets after tests revealed she was resistant to the original drugs.
Marcela Flanders, Miss McConnell's mother, visited her daughter on December 16 but found her condition had worsened.
Mrs Flanders said: "She was very bad, I thought she was dying. I did not know what to do. I tried to lift her up but she could not stand on her feet. She was rolling her eyes and was delirious."
Miss McConnell was taken to the QEH and given a course of fluids to improve her blood pressure and hydration, but died later that evening after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Dr Susan Ell, a clinical physician at the QEH, told the inquest Miss McConnell had a history of kidney problems dating back to 1991.
In August 2004 she was admitted to hospital with a kidney impairment, made worse by infection, and was taken into intensive care where she suffered renal failure for some time. She was then treated regularly at the hospital.
Gerry McKenna, of the Community Alcohol and Drugs Service (CADS), said Miss McConnell also had a history of alcohol problems and was referred for help as part of a court order following a conviction for drink-driving in February 2004.
She underwent a home de-tox programme in April 2005 and was offered further treatment in November 2006 but said she did not have the energy as her father had recently died.
Greater Norfolk Coroner William Armstrong said Miss McConnell died from a multi-drug overdose, which included paracetamol and morphine, and an acute bacterial infection of the kidney substance.
He added: "There is no evidence to satisfy me that she had the intention of suicide. It is, I think, more likely than not that she took an overdose of medication while she was in a distressed state, possibly as a result of her deteriorating condition."
Mr Armstrong recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Speaking, after the inquest Miss McConnell's partner Joseph Bates said: "She was a very kind person who had nothing but very kind things to say about the people she knew.
"She had time for everyone and will be sorely missed by those who came into contact with her."
Mrs Flanders added: "She was a devoted mother to her son Jamie, who is profoundly deaf, and will be loved and missed by the entire family."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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