Stephen had suffered from epilepsy since he was two and we had always known that it was potentially a life-threatening condition. Stephen also had learning disabilities and autism although he was able to work and took great pride in earning his own living. He was well regarded by his workmates because he was a hard worker with a peaceable nature and a love of jokes. Following the deaths of our parents, Stephen chose to live alone in the family house although we (both of us at a distance) and our brother Jack (living locally) supported him in this. We are still trying to come to terms with the fact that we could not keep him safe.
When his medication was changed (for, we believe, perfectly sound medical reasons) Stephen failed to understand the changes and died as a result. He had no support from Social Services as he was not considered sufficiently in need and it is clear that his GP practice did not give his difficulties sufficient weight when changing two of his three medications. Since Stephen’s death, although the practice in question has enhanced its management of patients with learning difficulties; it should not have taken a death for this to be put in place.
