Doctor’s ‘grossly irresponsible prescribing’ played direct role in two deaths, Tasmanian coroner finds
Summary
A Tasmanian coroner found that Dr. David Jackson’s irresponsible prescribing of drugs directly contributed to the deaths of two patients who were dependent on drugs. The coroner highlighted multiple warning signs about Jackson’s treatment over many years and made recommendations to improve how dangerous prescribing is handled.Key Facts
- Dr. David Jackson prescribed methadone and benzodiazepines to drug-dependent patients in Tasmania between 2016 and 2017.
- Two patients, Nicholas Brown and Matthew Winwood, died due to drug intoxication involving methadone and sedatives.
- The coroner found Jackson prescribed drugs irresponsibly, sometimes without verifying important information, which put patients at risk.
- Jackson had previous warnings about his prescribing practices, dating back to 1992 and 1995, for giving patients too many opioids.
- A large criminal investigation took place, but Jackson was not charged with manslaughter as prosecutors said evidence was insufficient.
- Jackson was banned from prescribing certain drugs in January 2018 and stopped working soon after.
- The coroner made 10 recommendations, including better systems to report and prosecute dangerous prescribers.
- Two other patients treated by Jackson died but their deaths were not directly linked to his prescribing.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.