THE death of a woman in hospital after an overdose could have been avoided, an inquest has heard.

Failings in the overworked accident and emergency department at the University Hospital of North Durham were partly blamed for the death of Maureen Matla.

The 47-year-old had a history of depression and overdoses in recent years. She was admitted to the hospital on Monday, January 7, described by casualty staff as the busiest in memory.

An inquest in Durham heard that Ms Matla had been found at her home in Woodside, Tantobie, near Stanley, after apparently overdosing on the anti-depressant drug coproxymol, mixed with alcohol.

Paramedics told staff she was also suspected of having taken diazapam and thyroxin.

But she appeared coherent, although slightly tipsy, and was placed in a short stay room in the department.

After twice refusing to reveal what she had taken a doctor found her slumped in a wheelchair, blue in the face, in the room, about an hour after her arrival at hospital.

Despite efforts to resuscitate her, Ms Matla was only artificially revived using a ventilator, which was switched off two days later.

Independent accident and emergency expert Professor Tony Redmond, called to review the case by North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle, said the main failing appeared to be under-staffing in the department, which was over-stretched by housing non-accident and department referred patients because of a bed shortage that night.

"It's possible there would have a different outcome but for the shortfalls. I think it could have been avoided," said Prof Redmond, who also blamed procedures and the lay-out in the department.

After more than eight-and-a-half hours' evidence, the hearing was adjourned and will to resume this morning.