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Changes urged after teenage drug death

Posted February 4, 2008 11:33:00
Updated February 4, 2008 14:29:00

file photo

The teenager was found dead three days after taking methadone he had not been prescribed.

Coronial findings have been made to improve practices at a College Park mental health hostel in Adelaide after a teenager's death in 2003.

Thomas Keough, 18, was found dead in his room at Palm Lodge about two days after taking methadone which had not been prescribed to him.

South Australia's coroner Mark Johns has recommended that Palm Lodge reviews its policies and that staff do daily room checks.

He wants any drug dealing allegations to be referred to police.

The coroner also wants to improve the police protocols for the investigation of drug-related deaths, to ascertain the source of drugs causing death.

Mr Johns has also recommended closer monitoring of methadone distribution.

Thomas Keough's father is satisfied with the recommendations but wants to see a focus on accommodation for young people.

"Not just a lodge with a nurse in the office but the kind of place that mirrors a family unit along with appropriate professional care and support," he said.

"I believe had Thom been living in that type of environment he might still be alive today."

Tags: death, drugs-and-substance-abuse, courts-and-trials, sa, adelaide-5000, college-park-5069

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