An inquest into the death of an ‘exceptional GP’ has recorded a conclusion of suicide after hearing evidence of ‘work-related stress’.
Dr Jane Green, who worked at the Caxton Surgery in Shropshire, was pronounced dead on 29 June this year in the Wrexham area of Wales.
According to local newspaper The Leader, the inquest into her death took place last week, and heard evidence regarding work pressures from both Dr Green’s husband and the Caxton Surgery practice manager.
Her husband Dr Graham Reardon told the inquest she had been suffering with her mental health which included ‘work-related stress’, while practice manager James Bradbury confirmed that Dr Green had been signed off sick earlier in the year due to stress and ‘burnout’.
Practice staff at the Caxton Surgery informed patients of Dr Green’s death at the start of July, in a post on Facebook which said their ‘friend and dear colleague’ had ‘tragically passed away’.
The post continued: ‘She will be dearly missed by her work family at Caxton and her patients but most acutely by her husband and children.
‘We would ask for your patience and understanding at this incredibly difficult time as her family, friends, and work colleagues deal with this tragic loss.’
The post received over 100 comments, with many remarking on Dr Green’s kindness and compassion as their GP.
One patient wrote: ‘What a lovely, caring lady she was. She will be remembered for being so kind and compassionate and for going above and beyond for her patients.’
Another said they had ‘never met such a compassionate and caring doctor and person’ and that Dr Green ‘did a lot’ for their family.
Responding to the recent inquest, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB recognised the ‘demands’ within general practice and the impact this can have on the personal lives of staff.
Chief executive officer Simon Whitehouse said: ‘My heartfelt sympathy and sincerest condolences go out to Dr Green’s family, her colleagues, her patients, and all those who were close to her.
‘Jane was an exceptional GP, and her loss has been felt both within Caxton Surgery and the wider Oswestry community.’
He said that ‘additional support’ was offered to the GP practice to ‘help in managing appointments and patient care, as well as the wellbeing of practice colleagues’.
Mr Whitehouse continued: ‘We know that the demands within general practice can have an impact on staff members, both in and outside of work. It is hugely important that we always remember this, that we ensure support is readily available should anyone need to reach out, and to always be kind and compassionate towards each other.’
Dr Green qualified as a doctor in 1997 at the University of Wales, and completed her GP training in 2006.
A team of GPs recently climbed the National Three Peaks in aid of suicide prevention among doctors, raising over £12,000 for the Doctors in Distress charity.
NHS Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS primary care mental health service with expertise in treating health and care professionals, and has a dedicated 24-hour text crisis support available to all doctors in England.
