Categories: uncategorized
Tags: drug treatment, drugs, alcohol, death, court, work
Date: 10 September 2008 00:26:12
Today I was summoned to appear at Coroner's Court regarding the death of one of my clients. Death seems to be one of the hazards of working with clients who misuse drugs and alcohol and yet this case was especially sad as I had worked with him for over 4 years and he was one of my favourite clients. Also I found him dead at home which was hard.
I was absolutely bricking it at having to attend court today, but it actually turned out to be a surprisingly good experience. For a start the coroner was intent on establishing an accurate cause of death, and so we went through all the evidence. I was called first as a witness and I was surprised to be asked about my relationship with the client, what he was like as a person. It all seemed so personal and I was able to explain to work that I did, but more to the point the fact that I really cared about what happened to my client. Anyway, it all turned out as well as could be expected and the coroner determined that the death was due to natural causes.
One of the hardest bits though was facing the family who I know quite well. I was really aware that this was an important procedure for them, and I desperately wanted it to be as positive as possible to ensure that they were able to move on. In the end it seems that this is a possibility for them and I was pleased with the outcome. It was also reassuring to have the coroner call my work 'exemplary' and for him to credit me me on both my compassion and my professionalism. Whilst I don't do this job for the credit or the thanks, it is wonderful to receive praise in such difficult circumstances.