Stressed doctor took own life

A DOCTOR suffering from the stresses of work took a “fatal” cocktail of alcohol and drugs a Warrington inquest heard.
Janet Wreglesworth, 43, of Hunts Lane, Stockton Heath, committed suicide Coroner Dr Geoff Roberts ruled at the Inquest.
The mother-of two had suffered bouts of depression and anxiety over many years and the Coroner said it is likely she would have known the combination of drugs and alcohol she took at home “would have been fatal.”
Working long hours as a partner in a GP’s practice in Oldham caused her problems according to her husband Brian Wreglesworth. Although she loved working with patients, the business side of the practice was a strain.
She died on February 19 and pathologist Dr Al-Jafari found the immediate cause of death was alcohol intoxication and an overdose of anti-depressant dosulepin, which she had not been prescribed.
She had also taken a large dose of paracetamol and the anti-depressant Citalopram prescribed by her GP.
Mr Wreglesworth said his wife previously worked at Warrington Hospital and decided to train as a GP. She started as a GP in Runcorn in 1995, but did not enjoy that as much as the hospital.
“She always enjoyed treating patients and was dedicated and committed to the work,” he said. “She enjoyed talking to them and getting to know them, but was not interested in the business side.”
In November 1996 the couple had their first child, James and she suffered from post-natal depression and was treated in hospital. When their second child Edward was born in 2000, the couple coped better.
He said that one of the partners in the Oldham practice had left and they were having difficulties finding another. After surgery, they often interviewed candidates and his wife did not get home until 11pm.
The partners were selling the practice to the primary care trust, and she was planning to find work as a salaried partner locally, which would allow her more time to spend with patients.
He said she did not like the “business side” of the work and interviewing and he used to help her read the candidate’s CVs.He said she had “very high standards” and wanted to do her best for patients.
Coroner Dr Roberts giving his verdict said Dr Wreglesworth was well-liked by patients but since 2005 her practice had faced problems in getting a new GP.
He said prior to her death she had been off work with anxiety and depression but after taking the Citalopram felt well enough to return to work. Shortly before her death she had been suffering from a chest infection.
He said that being a GP iit was highly likely she knew she was taking a fatal overdose.