Britain's top paramedic, 57, was found dead in bed by neighbour after taking accidental overdose of morphine prescribed for his chronic back pain

  • Professor Malcolm Woollard, 57, was discovered naked in bed by a neighbour 
  • He may have been lying there dead for a week at his Abergavenny cottage 
  • Inquest heard he took 19 drugs a day and was regularly treated for overdoses

By Lara Keay For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Britain's top paramedic died after overdosing on the 19 drugs he took for back pain each day, an inquest heard.

Professor Malcolm Woollard, 57, was found lying naked in his bed in Llangattock, near Abergavenny, South Wales in July last year.

He was discovered after a neighbour became concerned with mail piling up outside his house - but could have been dead for a week before he was found. 

Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard he had chronic back pain and was regularly admitted to hospital for taking too much morphine.   

He was the first paramedic in the UK to be awarded the title of Professor and was Chairman of the British Paramedics Association. 

Professor Malcolm Woollard, 57 (pictured) was found dead lying naked in his bed in Llangattock, near Abergavenny, South Wales in July last year

Professor Malcolm Woollard, 57 (pictured) was found dead lying naked in his bed in Llangattock, near Abergavenny, South Wales in July last year

The author and lecturer retired due to ill health and hoped to pursue his hobbies of playing the drums and cycling. 

But he was left living alone when his wife of 30 years left him as she was unable to cope with his constant care.

She told the inquest she last spoke to her husband over the phone on July 8 before he was found on July 15. 

Julie Woollard, 59, said: 'He was an emotional and physical wreck - he suffered from confusion and sweats.

'He was taking 19 different forms of medicine a day, he would have blackouts and foam at the mouth.

'I was fearful for my own sanity so I packed a suitcase and left.'

Mrs Woollard kept in touch but was 'not surprised' when a neighbour called her to say her husband had been found dead.

His GP Dr Mike Bisser said he suffered with a number of long-term health conditions, including chronic back pain, a spinal condition, sciatica, migraines, and 'significant mental health problems' which included anxiety and depression.

Professor Woollard was the first paramedic in the UK to be awarded the title of Professor and was Chairman of the British Paramedics Association

Professor Woollard was the first paramedic in the UK to be awarded the title of Professor and was Chairman of the British Paramedics Association

He said there were concerns Prof Woollard 'frequently exceeded' his prescribed medications, adding: 'Attempts were made to discuss these concerns with him, but he vehemently denied taking medications outside of the prescribed doses.

'His relationship with medication was complex and gave us cause for concern.'  

A post mortem examination revealed the case of death was excess morphine toxicity.

Powys Coroner Andrew Barkley said Professor Woollard's death was 'very sad' but he ruled out suicide, declaring his a prescription drug-related death. 

Her told the hearing: 'It is clear from his GP he was a regular over user of medications including morphine after struggling to find relief for his chronic back pain.' 

After his death the College of Paramedics released a statement which described Prof Woollard as a 'leader in paramedic practice'.

The statement said: 'Over the past four decades, Malcolm has been a leader in paramedic practice and in the development and advancement of the paramedic profession.

'He has made enormous contributions to paramedical services both here in the UK and globally through his research and numerous professional activities.

'Malcolm Woollard, a Past-Chair of the College of Paramedics and one of its founding members, will be sadly missed by his many colleagues and friends who will always consider him to have been a stalwart and ground-breaker for the paramedic profession.' 

For confidential support in the UK call the Samaritans on 116 123. 

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