Sadik Miah

During the inquest it was heard that antipsychotics, including Olanzapine; may cause arrhylhmias and that a cardiologist's opinion may be needed from time to time. In this case the last ECG done available was done in 2010 and showed a prolonged QT interval of 440, prior to transfer Isaid that he had an ECG in A&E but that this was not monitored by psychiatrists_ During the inquest evidence was heard that he developed hyponatraemia from excessive drinking but the aetiology was not clear; although he was thought to have psychogenic polydypsia. A referral was made to an endocrinologist for a routine out patient appointment, for which there would be a 6-12 week wait; One of the possibilities of the cause was that it was medication related and it was agreed that such a delay was not appropriate. The court heard that there was a facility for emergency treatment for a physical illness, but apparently no facility for a medical opinion that was not an emergency but should not wait several weeks_ _ said that consultant psychiatrists caring for in-patients with physical health problems did not have the benefit of a fellow consultant physician visiting, examining and advising on management; a8 would occur in a DGH, This did create a risk of other deaths occurring and should be a concern for the coroner. (2). It was reported that the Trust had been developing a Physical Health Policy and building corporate relationships_but that there was no national guidance abouthow May organizations should address these matters _ The court was not informed of ihe extent to which there was resolution of the areas of concern of the coroner,