Ciara Michelle Murphy took her own life using vets drugs

Ciara Michelle Murphy, 43, was found in her bed after taking euthanasia drugs from her own surgery in Worthing.

She used equipment from the vets to administer a lethal dose of the substance, an inquest in Chichester heard.

Dr Murphy, who lived in Goring, was heartbroken after splitting from her partner.

Ciara Michelle Murphy loved animals and wanted to help them

Assistant Coroner Robert Simpson said: "She died at her home address after taking a very large quantity of veterinary medicine after taking it from her place of work.

"She was a highly accomplished lady with a successful career with plenty of friends but struggled with her own difficulties.

"I am satisfied she set the machine up herself at home and it administered the drug that ended her life.

"I'm satisfied she intended to take her own life and the only conclusion I can reach is one of suicide."

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Dr Murphy, who "had a past history of depression and suicidal ideation," was seeing a  therapist before her death last year. 

She was a senior partner at the Northdale Practice and had 24-hour access to equipment and drugs.

It is believed Dr Murphy went to the surgery out of hours to remove the equipment and drugs.

She was found dead in her bed by a friend who went to check on her on September 5.

Dr Murphy worked at the Northdale Practice before her death last year

Mr Simpson said the friend had provided a written statement to the inquest: "She spoke about Ciara rarely showing vulnerability, even to her partner.

"She was seeing a therapist and spoke about getting a doctor's note because she knew exactly how to kill herself painlessly if she needed to.

"Her friend said her father had called to say he had heard Ciara had split from her partner out of the blue.

"I knew she would be devastated and planned to check up on her. That's what led to her attending her address."

Mr Simpson said he was satisfied Dr Murphy, who was originally from Dublin, had taken her own life.

He offered his sympathies to her parents who joined the hearing by video from the Republic of Ireland.

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Speaking at the inquest, her mother Philomena Murphy, said: "She was a lovely person, quite strong and very ambitious.

"It didn't matter what she put her mind to, she did her best to achieve it.

"She had lots of friends in her workplace and outside.

"No siblings but she was loved very much.

"Lots of relatives, aunts and cousins.

"She always wanted to be a vet from the time she was very small.

"Always loved animals and wanted to help them."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org