Coroner urges Manx Care to find solution over sharing of medical records

Says 'silos' within health body present risk to life

Manx Care has been asked to take action and change the way medical records can be shared across ‘silos’ of the health system.

The Coroner of Inquests has written to the health body following an inquest into the death of a Ramsey resident in November 2023.

The 37-year-old man overdosed on the opioid Oxycodone after taking it with other drugs.

At the inquest into his death, in May this year, a verdict of misadventure was recorded.

Coroner James Brooks determined the man's death had been the ‘unintended consequence’ of his deliberate action to take the medication which had been prescribed to him for pain relief.

Whilst provision of medical care was found to be adequate the coroner said there was ‘clearly difficulties’ with the prescribing of medication to him over several years.

Evidence given at the inquest showed it was ‘very obvious’ that there was a ‘complete inability for hospital doctors to have access to medical records held elsewhere than within the hospital’.

"It seems to me, frankly, to be common sense that there must be a real risk that possible contraindications, or simply inappropriate prescribing, can be missed without access to the full extent certainly of GP records, and potentially other medical records, that are held regarding patients.” Coroner of Inquests James Brooks

Coroners have the power to report to a person, or body, when they believe they may be able to prevent a future similar death.

Coroner Brooks told the inquest that he believes there is a risk that arises from medical staff not having full access to a patient’s records in terms of prescribing drugs.

As a result Coroner Brooks has written to Manx Care highlighting the difficulties of sharing medical records between 'silos' including the GP service, hospital and mental health services.

He said by raising the issue it would ‘at least be considered seriously’ by the organisation adding: “There appears to be a problem and it appears that Manx Care in this case could take action to resolve that problem.”  

He said whilst it is not for him to suggest how the issue should be solved he would like to think a solution can be devised that resolves the problem in its entirety.

Manx Care has been given eight weeks to reply and set out what action it intends to take.

Coroner Brooks added: "They (Manx Care) are quite able, if they wish, to say they do not intend to take any action at all.

"But my experience is that generally Manx Care would take such a letter seriously and would set out the action that they intend to take."

Manx Radio has invited Manx Care to respond.

You can listen to the full interview with Chief Executive Teresa Cope in this episode of NEWSCAST: