An accidental overdose of two drugs which killed a Waimate woman has prompted a coroner's warning about patients stockpiling medication in case they need it later.
Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar's warning came in his findings into the death of Waimate registered nurse Pauline Anne Murney (61), who was found by her husband Michael dead in her bed at her High St home on May 24 last year.
He found the cause of death was the accidental ingestion of lethal quantities of two drugs which, in combination, had an additive effect.
''A patient ought not to stockpile such medication for later use in case of perceived need.
''Patients need to be aware some medications have an additive effect with other medications and, similarly, ought only be taken together as prescribed by a doctor,'' he said.
Prescription drugs needed to be taken only in the quantities and combinations prescribed.
Mr Crerar found the death was an accidental overdose, not a suicide. No suicide note had been left.
Despite her personal problems and being devastated after suspended from her employment, over conflicting views on how she restrained a resident at Lister Home for the elderly, Mr Murney said he and his wife intended to fight the allegations and then resign from Lister Home in protest.
The notes made by Mrs Murney about the incident indicated she did not accept the allegations against her and intended to face up to the problem, Mr Crerar said.
He said Mrs Murney and her family were significantly stressed by her suspension.
''As a result of this pressure and her inability to sleep, Mrs Murney has located anti-depressants previously prescribed to her and, in an attempt to obtain relief, has taken those,'' he said.
The combination of the two drugs, which had been prescribed to her some years before her death, were additive.
While the quantity taken was unknown, there was no evidence for Mr Crerar to conclude it was a deliberate attempt to end her own life.
