A woman who was found dead in her bed by her mum had been self medicating with morphine and other medication to combat working long hours.

Clinical carer Sarah Tansley, of Fisher Street, Maidstone, was found unresponsive at her shared accommodation home just three days before Christmas, on Wednesday, December 22, last year.

The 31-year-old, who worked at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury, died as a result of multiple drugs toxicity, a toxicology report confirmed.

It found a fatal level of morphine in Ms Tansley's system as well as therapeutic levels of anti-depressants.

During an inquest at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone, coroner Patricia Harding heard how the former Maplesden Noakes pupil had been struggling with her sleep due to working long hours and would self-medicate with sleeping tablets to combat this.

It is understood she was able to buy the morphine on the streets, but no more was said about where she got the drugs during the hearing.

A report from Police Sergeant McEwan revealed how when Ms Tansley's body was found at around 2pm there was a "substantial" amount of medication packets around the bed.

He went on to explain how on Monday, December 20, the Maidstone woman had been out with her boyfriend of four months, Brad who is from Ashford, in the town centre before returning at 7pm as she wasn't feeling well.

After waking up in the night Ms Tansley told her boyfriend she had consumed 10 sleeping tablets, which the inquest heard, her partner wasn't happy about.

Less than 48 hours later she was found "cold to the touch" by her mum in her bed.

The court heard how in August 2019 she had overdosed on over-the-counter tablets ibuprofen and paracetamol after drinking 15 cans of cider.

Ms Tansley was adamant this wasn't a suicide attempt, describing it instead as "cry for help".

Coroner Patricia Harding said taking the high amount of morphine, mixed with the anti-depressants was a "deliberate act" from Ms Tansley and she said she had to consider whether it was her intention to take her own life.

At this point during the hearing, her father Colin Tansley, who was joined by Sarah's mother Wendy and brother Matthew, interjected to say in the months leading up to her death, she was "never so happy".

He added how the pair exchanged emails as he lives in Southampton and she was happy and content with her relationship with Brad after experiencing physically and mentally draining relationships in the past.

Patricia Harding then ruled there was no indication that Ms Tansley had wanted to take her own life as there was an absence of evidence, such as a note or declaration, to suggest this.

She gave a narrative conclusion, saying: "Sarah was found at her home address having died after consuming morphine (and other drugs). Her intention is unclear."

"Words can't describe how much I'm hurting..."

Ms Tansley's partner paid tribute to his "princess" on social media after her funeral in January, saying: "Today I laid rest the best woman that ever came into my life.

"She brought me so much happiness, the laughs, the ups and downs but by my good god, weren't we a right old pair.

"The journey we had together was an epic ride. Thank you for all the laughs, tears and I'm defo not forgetting the love.

"You showed me what love was and what a man you made me.

"Sarah, I miss you so much, I love you, I'm so lost right now, you will always be my number one, my guru, my princess."

In another post just days after the young health worker's death, Brad said: "Sarah was the absolute queen. My world, my queen.

"Words cant describe how much I'm hurting. Brad loves you so much, take care petal."

The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust which runs the hospital has been approached for comment.