** Trigger Warning: Suicide: Very Upsetting Content **
Debbie Rookes, Assistant Coroner for the Coroner Area of Avon has written the Prevention of Future Deaths Report following the tragic death of Sarah Lewis after she was found to have taken an overdose of propranolol with the intention of ending her own life.
Information from the Prevention of Future Deaths Report
Circumstances of the Death
“In 2014, Sarah Lewis was diagnosed with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Ms Lewis’ ME was severe and as a result of her condition, she experienced severe and debilitating symptoms. This had a huge effect on her quality of life, and left her for the most part bedbound. It also impacted on her ability to seek professional support or be supported due to sensory sensitivity and aversion to visiting, or being visited. Ms Lewis had a history of anxiety and depression but this complex multisystem condition resulted in a deterioration of her mental health and left her wishing that she was no longer alive.
On 8 August 2024, it was Severe ME Awareness Day. Ms Lewis was found deceased at home on 9 August 2024 but as she had not been seen for 2 days, it is likely she died the day before, on a day which was significant for her. Her death was caused by her taking an overdose …..with the intention of ending her own life. By ending her own life, she also ended the profound physical and mental suffering that she had endured.
I heard that due to the severe nature of her illness, nothing could really be done to help her. She was therefore left knowing that there is no real treatment for ME, and there is no cure.
Whilst there is an ME/CFS service provided by North Bristol , there are areas of the country where there is no provision.”
MEA Comment
Following the tragic death of Maeve Boothby O'Neil the Coroner involved issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report which highlighted a number of relevant concerns relating to the care and management of people with severe and very severe ME/CFS.
Sadly, another Prevention of Future Deaths report has now been issued following the death of lady with ME/CFS in Bristol in 2024
In this case the Coroner is again expressing very valid concerns about:
- The inconsistent provision of services around the country for the care and management of people with severe ME/CFS.
- The lack of research into the cause of ME/CFS.The failure by health service commissioners to implement NICE guideline recommendations relating to diagnosis and management of people with ME/CFS.
- The continuing lack of knowledge about ME/CFS by many health professionals.
The Secretary of State for Health has been instructed to reply to these concerns by 2 September 2025
I suspect that this will consist of direct extracts from the DHSC Delivery Plan on ME/CFS. I have notified officials at the DHSC who are dealing with the Delivery Plan about this Prevention of Future Deaths Report and the concerns being expressed by the Coroner in relation to both research and service provision for people with severe ME/CFS,
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
