Ex-nurse 'was in constant pain' (From Free Press Series)

Ex-nurse 'was in constant pain'

A FORMER nurse who suffered constant pain through osteoporosis killed herself, an inquest at Newport heard.

Agnes Pearce, 77, who lived in Pontnewydd, gave up her nursing career at the County Hospital, Griffithstown, through ill health, family friend Gordon Roberts said.

She had two hip replacements in 1991, but afterwards developed osteoporosis, which meant she was in "constant and unremitting" pain, he said.

She was found dead in her flat by the warden on September 27 and two letters were beside her.

One was addressed to Mr Roberts and his wife and referred to the pain she was experiencing.

Consultant pathologist Dr E W Owen said death had been due to cardio-respiratory failure brought on by a drugs overdose.

Coroner David Bowen recorded a verdict that Mrs Pearce had killed herself because of the pain she could no longer bear.