Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
John Davies
Ref: 2014-0063
Date: 13 Feb 2014
Coroner: Dr Fiona Wilcox
Area: London Inner (West)
Responses identified: 0 / 3
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GMC investigations are causing unrecognised psychological distress in clinicians, underscoring the need for improved communication, support resources, and proactive assessment for suicidal or self-harming behaviours.
Date
13 Feb 2014
56-day deadline
10 Apr 2014 est.
Responses identified
0 of 3
Coroner's concerns
GMC investigations are causing unrecognised psychological distress in clinicians, underscoring the need for improved communication, support resources, and proactive assessment for suicidal or self-harming behaviours.
View full coroner's concerns
This is the second death of a doctor that has come before me over the last 2 years where a GMC investigation into the doctor's practice has been found to play a part: am concerned that clinicians who are subject to such investigative processes are suffering adverse psychological effects which may be unrecognised and unsupported. Consideration should be given to the language and tone of written communications, the provision of information about relevant support agencies, and the assessment and identification of suicidal or other self harming behaviour by the relevant body and the facilitation of appropriate on-ward referral It is for each organisation to which this report is addressed to consider any appropriate and specific actions for them to take
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On June 2013 commenced an investigation into the death of Professor John Elfed Davies, aged 71yrs The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 31st October 2013_ The conclusions of the inquest were as follows: Injury or disease causing death: I(a) Incised wounds to neck and multiple stab wounds to the chest: How, when and where Professor Davies came by his death: On Monday 10"h June 2013,a 71 year old male was found deceased lying on the floor of his hotel room: He had self inflicted incised wounds to his neck and multiple stab wounds to his chest A note was found in the room confirmed to be in his handwriting: His death was deemed non suspicious by police. He was concerned about his health, finances and a complaint that had been made about his practice to the GMC. Conclusion of the coroner as to the death: 33, 14"h _
He took his own life.
He took his own life.
Circumstances of the death
A note found at the scene clearly indicated that the proceedings against him by the GMC were very much playing on his mind at the time he took his own life.
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you [ANDIOR your organisation] have the power to take such action
Inquest conclusion
Injury or disease causing death: I(a) Incised wounds to neck and multiple stab wounds to the chest: How, when and where Professor Davies came by his death: On Monday 10"h June 2013,a 71 year old male was found deceased lying on the floor of his hotel room: He had self inflicted incised wounds to his neck and multiple stab wounds to his chest A note was found in the room confirmed to be in his handwriting: His death was deemed non suspicious by police. He was concerned about his health, finances and a complaint that had been made about his practice to the GMC. Conclusion of the coroner as to the death: 33, 14"h _
He took his own life.
He took his own life.
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Report details
- Reference
- 2014-0063
- Date of report
- 13 February 2014
- Coroner
- Dr Fiona Wilcox
- Coroner area
- London Inner (West)
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 3
3 responses not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 10 Apr 2014 (estimated).
Sent to
- General Medical Council
- Medical Protection Society
- Royal College of Physicians
Part of a series
2017-0138
All responses identified