Dentist killed himself after hand condition forced him to stop work
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- Published: Monday, 03 April 2017 07:39
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Oral surgeon Sean Ferguson dentist killed himself after he was forced to stop treating patients because of a hereditary illness which was damaging the nerves in his hands. He suffered from a condition, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, which affected his peripheral nerves and had been told to stop working by the General Dental Council while they looked into his condition.
Sean Ferguson, 35, had worked as an oral surgeon in Wigan and at Manchester but suffered from the condition Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, which affected his peripheral nerves. He was diagnosed with depression in 2011 and in March last year the GDC told him to stop working whilst they looked into his condition.
An inquest heard the divorcee, who studied at Manchester University, had carried out dental implant surgery and was also a dentistry lecturer despite being diagnosed with the rare nerve condition aged 14. He was warned the condition would eventually leave him with little or no feeling in his hands and feet and he had several operations on his legs to tackle the disease.
He had told his girlfriend he wanted to provide for her - but he had been unable to work for seven months when he died on October 29 last year and had taken out Payday loans totalling £5,000.
Just hours after getting an email from his lawyers about a General Dental Council hearing, which was expected to look at the results of dexterity tests, Mr Ferguson sent a message to Louise Derby saying: “I love you, I always have, I always will. I’m sorry’. She later found him hanged from a stairwell at their home in Old Trafford, Manchester.
Recording a conclusion of suicide Senior Coroner Alison Mutch said: “I am satisfied that the deceased had been diagnosed with a significant hereditary condition which impacted upon his ability to work. He had ceased working for some time and his case was being considered by the GDC.
“He had entered into a new relationship and that he in many ways was positive in that aspect of his life- but he had significant financial pressures and he significant medical issues. There was a conversation between him and his partner Louise Derby where it was clear that there was communication with the GDC which were of concern to him. It is clear that he had a lot going for him and it is clear that he was extremely talented in his chosen career, and it is tragic that his diagnosis at such a young age was to impact on his chosen career.”
After the case the General Dental Council was contacted for further information about Mr Ferguson’s hearing but a spokesman advised callers to submit a Freedom of Information request.
So sad
It is really sad when anyone takes their own life...but 35?? Whilst I am sure that the hereditary disease was the major factor, the stigma and embarassment of a GDC enquiry on top would be a huge strain for anyone. Thoughts going out to the family.You need to be logged in to leave comments.
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