An inquest has been adjourned into the death of an Oxford man after his family expressed concerns about how ambulance staff handled his case.
Jonathan Griffin, 33, died at his home address in Oxford on March 31 this year.
His medical cause of death has been provided as alcohol intoxication and acute liver disease.
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An inquest into his death started on Thursday (September 19) at Oxford Coroner’s Court.
However, in the proceedings could not be concluded as Mr Griffin’s family had expressed some concerns about how South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) handled his case.
The court heard an ambulance had been called for Mr Griffin several days before his death after he was suspected of having a stomach ulcer and had been vomiting blood.
An ambulance was called but staff reported that Mr Griffin had not opened the door and they didn’t feel it was appropriate to force entry.
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A couple of days later, Mr Griffin was found unresponsive in his home by a neighbour.
Area coroner Nichols Graham agreed to adjourn matters until a later date so a further statement could be provided by SCAS staff.
During the inquest, it was heard that Mr Griffin, known to his friends and family as Jonny, had been struggling with alcohol addiction.
He had been working with Turning Point, a charity which provides support for those struggling with addictions.
Mr Griffin had been involved with the charity since 2015 and had completed a residential detox programme in December.
However, he started drinking again in early 2024.
His social worker stated Mr Griffin ‘struggled to stay sober’ and she believes he ‘felt a lot of shame’ about his addiction.
She said: “He was a kind person and was brought up to be polite and thoughtful and he always wanted to help people.
“He loved sports and he played football. He cared very much for his family and he was very close to his brother. He had a lot of dreams for the future.”
In early March, Mr Griffin required hospital treatment for a tear in his oesophagus and it was described by his family as a ‘very serious’ surgery.
They believe he had been consuming alcohol to help cope with the pain of the injury and the surgery at the time of his death.
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His social worker recommended he return to the hospital after vomiting blood and an ambulance was called. It was due to arrive at 7.40pm but didn’t arrive until 11.04pm.
Ambulance staff stated Mr Griffin had not answered the door.
His family requested an adjournment until a later date.
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