Finding into death of Joanne Feeney

40y · Female·Multiple injuries sustained in a fall from a height followed by being struck by motor vehicles

A 40-year-old woman with a history of substance abuse and a prior suicide attempt in August 2010 presented to Northern Hospital at 2am with chest pain. Diagnosed clinically with pleurisy from lower respiratory tract infection and offered ketorolac, she requested morphine, was refused, and left the hospital against medical advice after becoming abusive. She was discharged with a recommendation for psychiatric follow-up after her August attempt but did not engage with psychiatric services. Several hours later, she jumped from an 8-metre overpass and was struck by three vehicles. Clinically, this case highlights the importance of recognising suicide risk in patients with substance abuse history, ensuring appropriate psychiatric assessment and follow-up post-discharge, and developing clear protocols for managing patients who leave against medical advice, particularly those with known prior suicide attempts.