Norfolk Coroner’s Court was told that Joy Dennis, of Britton Close, Watlington, near King’s Lynn, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 26.

Assistant coroner Robin Weyell heard that the 82-year-old, who was born in Thetford, had been experiencing a decline in both her physical and mental health.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Image: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital)

Her husband, David Dennis, said she had been suffering from low mood linked to a number of health concerns, including osteoporosis, chronic back pain and shortness of breath.

Despite receiving support from healthcare professionals, including a nurse who visited her at home, her mental health continued to deteriorate as her pain medication failed to provide relief.

Mr Dennis told the court that on the morning of her death he had given his wife breakfast as normal. Shortly afterwards, he noticed she had with her a bowl containing tablets.

Mrs Dennis was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where blood tests revealed a significantly high dose of the medication.

Despite treatment, her condition deteriorated and she was found unresponsive. A ReSPECT form was in place so resuscitation was not started.

A handwritten note was later found, written shortly before her death.

Coroner Robin Weyell reached a conclusion of suicide. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The medical cause of death was recorded as aspiration pneumonitis, intentional overdose, congestive cardiac failure and respiratory failure.

Summarising the evidence, Mr Weyell said Mrs Dennis had been suffering from significant medical issues which had adversely affected her mental health.

He said there was clear evidence that she had intentionally consumed the tablets and had left a note expressing her wish to die.

He added: “I find to the appropriate standard that the correct conclusion is one of suicide.”

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