Police probe Blackadder star’s death
Family blame prescription drugs
ACTOR Howard Lew Lewis’s death in a Scots hospital is being probed – amid claims that he was killed by unnecessary medication.
The 76-year-old Maid Marian and Blackadder star, who was in the early stages of dementia, died at Ellen’s Glen House in Edinburgh on January 20. His daughter claims he was needlessly given a mix of high-strength sedatives and opiate painkillers. Debora Milazzo, 42, told a Sunday newspaper: “My dad was killed by the NHS. Justice needs to be done. “They suddenly just changed his medication and it was the new medication that killed him.” The actor’s medication was changed on December 24, according to the newspaper. That was the day they printed a story about his legal battle against Edinburgh Council, who he claimed were keeping him “hostage” in hospital and had taken control of his finances.
The council were granted a guardianship order in October over Lewis’s welfare and finances – including royalties and the proceeds from the sale of his home.
Medical records reportedly show he was given Alfentanil, an opiate 30 times the strength of oral morphine, and Midazolam, a strong sedative.
Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director of NHS Lothian Trust, said: “It would not be appropriate to discuss any details from his medical record.
“If the family have concerns or questions, they should contact us.”
A police spokesman said: “The death is being treated as unexplained but is not thought to be suspicious.”