Ontario inquest probes methadone clinic death

An Ottawaman who was given a fatal overdose of methadone at a government-sanctioned clinic last year died of heart failure, a coroner's inquest was told Monday.

Wade Hatt, a 41-year-old father of two, was given 10 timeshis regular dose— 150 mg instead of 15 mg—at a methadone clinic on Somerset Street in October 2005.

Staff realized the mistake and induced vomiting, then sentHatt home. He died later that night.

The inquest is meant toclarify the circumstances surrounding Hatt's death, including why he was sent home instead of to a hospital.

It will also try to answer the broader question of whether Ontario's methadone clinics are safe, and may provide recommendations for preventing future deaths.

On Monday, the first day of the inquest, the pathologist who examined Hatt's body testified thatthe methadone overdose had sparked a fatal heart attack.

Methadone is used to treat people addicted toopiate drugs such as codeine, morphine and heroin.

The maintenance clinics give addicts the option of regular visits to obtain a dose ofthe drug,instead ofbuyingother opiates of unknown quality on the street.

Methadonecan beingested andits effects last for 24 hours.

Maintenance program

Hatt, who worked as a night delivery man, wason a methadone maintenance program in an effort tokick an addiction to painkillers.

A 2005 article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported that more than 11,000 Ontario residents were registered in methadone maintenance programs.

The inquest, before five jurors, is expected to hear testimony from approximately 10 witnesses over five days. The presiding coroner is Dr. Andrew McCallum.