Inquest: New Milton woman Amanda Stannard died after accidental overdose of medication

A NEW Milton woman who suffered with chronic pain died at home after an accidental overdose of prescribed medication, an inquest heard.

Amanda Stannard (50), of Peckham Avenue, was found on the morning of 13th February 2022 by her husband, Kevin.

Winchester Coroners’ Court heard how Mrs Stannard, who was known as Mandy, was registered as disabled due to scoliosis, which causes the spine to twist and curve to the side.

Due to this condition, which meant she needed a wheelchair and mobility scooter, Mrs Stannard was prescribed painkillers with a maximum dose of 80mg.

Two days before she died she took the maximum dose due to high levels of pain, her husband told the court, although more often she took a lower level.

The next evening the couple, who had been married for 11 years, went to bed around 11pm.

When Mr Stannard woke he initially presumed his wife was still sleeping.

A while later when she had still not woken he went to check on her and realised she was unconscious.

The emergency services were called and started CPR, but Mrs Stannard could not be revived.

A statement read to the court on Mr Stannard’s behalf said: “I am totally devastated at the the loss of my wife so young and unexpectedly.”

The inquest heard Mrs Stannard had suffered from depression and was taking medication, but was looking forward to an upcoming holiday abroad and a theatre trip to London.

Despite her pain she had been in a positive mood as she had been given an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss treatment for psoriasis, Mr Stannard added.

Her friend Kerry Folds said in a statement that Mrs Stannard’s three children were “her everything”. She was also developing a new business idea, she said, and was “the most positive she had been in years”.

A statement from her GP said Mrs Stannard was last seen in January 2022 when she was prescribed antibiotics for a cough.

PC Adrian Griffiths told the court he attended the property following contact from the ambulance service regarding Mrs Stannard’s death. It was concluded that were no suspicious circumstances.

A post-mortem examination carried out by pathologist Dr Victoria Elliot gave the cause of death as mixed drug toxicity.

Mrs Stannard was also suffering with ischaemic heart disease, systemic hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Chris Wilkinson said: “I believe, sadly and unfortunately, she was suffering increasing pain and she had upped the medication to manage that pain as she had done previously.

“Sadly on this occasion a number of underlying health conditions have impacted on the effect of these drugs, which could have put extra pressure on her heart and lungs.”