Inquest rules Jacqueline McDonald died a drug-related death

It comes following the inquest into the death of a 34-year-old woman who died in her home from a drug-related death. 

Jacqueline McDonald, of Wrench Road in Earlham, was found dead at home on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. 

Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard how she had spent Monday, August 29 with her mother, Barabara Guest, but failed to return the next day. 

Concerned, her family visited her at home but got no response. 

Following concerns that she may have returned to drug-use, the family contacted Norfolk police who carried out a home visit. 

As well as Ms McDonald’s body, officers found drug paraphernalia inside the house. 

In a statement from her mother, she described how Ms McDonald had been diagnosed with a personality disorder. 

“She had suffered with drug addiction for many years,” she said. 

“But I thought she had stopped taking drugs over the last few months before her death. 

“I believe there was a link between her mental health and drug addiction.” 

READ MORE: Man illegally bought hundreds of prescription drugs online before death, court told

While under the care of the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) for her mental ill health, she received support from charity, Change Grow Live (CGL). 

Evidence read out in court heard that better communication between NSFT and CGL may have benefitted Ms McDonald. 

Saru Mutema, a service director for NSFT, explained that an internal safety incident review had prompted initiating regular meetings with bosses at CGL to discuss patients of concern. 

Senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said: “I do know that there is a collaboration between the services already but I do think the idea of a meeting between two people higher up in the organisation on a regular basis to disucss this would be very helpful.” 

The medical cause of death was given as ketamine toxicity. Ms Lake recorded a conclusion of a drug-related death.