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Fentanyl Overdose Death Sparks Coroner's Concern
15 Mar
Summary
- Woman died from fentanyl overdose with two patches instead of one.
- Coroner highlights lack of support for high-dose opioid patients.
- NHS urged to act to prevent future deaths from prescription opioids.
A coroner has raised serious concerns regarding the prescription of high-dose opioid medications, including fentanyl, without sufficient patient support, following the death of Wendy Boddington. Boddington died on March 24, 2025, from a fentanyl overdose, discovered with two prescribed fentanyl patches on her body instead of the single patch for chronic pain.
Senior coroner Peter Nieto called upon the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) to take preventative actions. Boddington had been prescribed fentanyl and codeine since 2011 for pain management after an accident and amputation. The inquest revealed she likely experienced increased pain before her death due to a recent ankle injury.
The coroner noted that while GP awareness of fentanyl complications was limited at the time, there were missed opportunities between 2015 and 2021 to address Boddington's medication. Boddington had expressed objections to reducing or stopping her medication.
The coroner's report highlighted a significant number of individuals on long-term, high-dose opioid prescriptions who may lack support for reduction or substitution. Boddington's GP practice has since initiated a program to identify and assist such patients, a measure not widely observed in the Derbyshire area.
In response, the NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB expressed its condolences and stated it would carefully consider the report's findings and identified lessons. The ICB is expected to provide its formal response by April 28, 2026.
