A TOP health professor died after becoming reliant on prescription drugs - taking 19 medications a day including morphine.

Prof Malcolm Woollard, 57, was a “stalwart and ground-breaker” among paramedics – he was the first paramedic in Britain to be awarded the title of professor.

But Prof Woollard - who was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award by the College of Paramedics - suffered a number of long term health problems including chronic back pain.

An inquest, which heard he regularly took more than his prescribed doses of medication, was told Prof Woollard was discovered dead in bed by a neighbour who noticed his mail had started piling up at the front door.

Paramedics rushed to the scene in Llangattock, near Crickhowell, where Prof Woollard was pronounced dead on July 15 last year.

The inquest heard the teetotal professor retired from lecturing at Coventry University in 2012 due to his health problems.

He suffered severe migraines since his 20s and also took medication for anxiety and depression.

Wife Julie Woollard told the inquest she would often find her husband blacked out and "foaming at the mouth" before they split following the strain of caring for him.

Mrs Woollard said: "He took 19 different medications a day which meant he would vomit daily. He would also suffer blackouts and foam at the mouth."

Mrs Woollard said her husband stayed in bed for four months in 2010 due to his health struggles.

The pair split in March 2017 but Mrs Woollard would regularly visit to her husband and speak to him on the phone.

Mrs Woollard told the inquest the last time she spoke to her husband was on July 8 - and said she was "shocked but not surprised" by his death.

GP Dr Mike Bisser said Prof Woollard was prescribed morphine after suffering lumbar spondylosis and sciatica.

His dose was upped to 80mg twice daily but Dr Bisser said there were concerns about "regular overuse of medications."

Dr Bisser said: "Attempts were made to discuss these concerns but he always vehemently denied taking medication outside the prescribed doses."

He added: "Many attempts were made to reign in prescribing doses."

Toxicology reports showed toxic levels morphine in Prof Woollard’s system - at 104mg per litre.

The inquest in Pontypridd, heard there were signs of decomposition and it is not known how long Prof Woollard had been dead before he was discovered.

Pathologist Dr Jason Shannon recorded a medical cause of death as: "The toxic effects of excess opiates i.e. morphine."

The inquest heard the renowned professor first worked for the Welsh Ambulance service in 1996 and later helped to open a research centre in Cardiff.

He went on to be a senior lecturer in Teeside before working in Coventry.

The inquest heard after retiring in 2012 Prof Woollard rarely left his home and was admitted to hospital on a number of occasions.

Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a conclusion of drug related death from use of prescription medication.

The inquest heard there was no evidence of suicide.

Mr Barkley said: "This was a man who was significantly unwell and had been for a significant amount of time."

Ater his death, a College of Paramedics spokesman said: "Over the past four decades, Malcolm has been a leader in paramedic practice and in the development and advancement of the paramedic profession.

“He has made enormous contributions to paramedical services both here in the UK and globally through his research and numerous professional activities.

“Malcolm Woollard, a Past-Chair of the College of Paramedics and one of its founding members, will be sadly missed by his many colleagues and friends who will always consider him to have been a stalwart and ground-breaker for the paramedic profession.”