A POLICE investigation is under way today after concerns were raised that a visually-impaired man died after being given the wrong prescription at a pharmacy.

Douglas Lamond, who lived near Western Avenue in Felixstowe, did not realise he had received someone else’s medication after the mix-up at a Boots pharmacy in May.

The 86-year-old was taken to Ipswich Hospital’s accident and emergency department after becoming unwell. However his condition deteriorated and he died on May 12.

Suffolk police were alerted to Mr Lamond’s death by hospital staff but an Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust spokesman declined to comment while the police investigation continues.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “We were contacted by Ipswich Hospital at around 6.15pm on Saturday, May 12, with a report that an 86-year-old man from the Felixstowe area had been admitted to accident and emergency feeling unwell and had subsequently died.

“His next of kin had been informed. The gentleman’s death, at this stage, is being treated as unexplained.”

She added: “A post mortem examination took place on Monday, May 14. The cause of death was unascertained and further toxicology tests are ongoing.

“As well as awaiting the toxicology results officers are carrying out enquiries to try to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

“The matter has been referred to the coroner.”

An inquest into Mr Lamond’s death was opened and adjourned on May 28.

It is understood that initial enquiries suggest Mr Lamond was given the incorrect drug prescription from his pharmacy, however it has not yet been established whether the medication led to his death.

Corrective procedures have been introduced at the pharmacy concerned to ensure the correct prescriptions are given to the correct person in future.

A statement from Boots UK, which has not revealed which branch is at the centre of the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Douglas Lamond’s family. “We are not in a position to comment at this time as the police investigation is still ongoing.”

A death announcement from his family described Mr Lamond, who worked at the Port of Felixstowe, as “an endearing man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him”.

Mr Lamond’s family, who lives in Hintlesham, declined to comment.

Ipswich Hospital also declined to comment due to the ongoing inquiry.