Inquest into the Death of Peta Susan DOIG

Inquest into the Death of Peta Susan DOIG

Delivered on : 26 February 2015

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Deputy State Coroner Vicker

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : The deceased was 58 years of age at the time of her death on 4 January 2013. The deceased had been a long term resident of Graylands Hospital and had been a voluntary patient since July 2010. After her collapse at Graylands Hospital on 3 January 2014 the deceased was transferred to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital where her condition deteriorated and a decision was made for palliative care.

The Coroner found the deceased had been diagnosed with autism and severe mental retardation which had caused her to be institutionalised at an early age. She had been placed in Graylands Hospital because there was nowhere appropriate to place her with the extent of her difficulties and the interrelationship of her diagnoses. In 2008 the Public Advocate became her plenary guardian.

The Coroner found on 26 December 2012 the deceased developed signs of a chest infection. She was commenced on antibiotics but on 3 January 2014 these were changed to one most appropriate for chest infection. Later that day the deceased suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and suffered significant hypoxia. She died following hospital transfer.

The Coroner noted that despite her placement in Graylands not being appropriate those caring for her appeared to have managed her well.

The Coroner found the deceased died as a result of pneumonia and cardiac failure complicated by hypoxic brain injury and found death arose by way of natural causes.

Catch Words : Voluntary patient : Long Term Resident : Lack of appropriate facility : Natural Causes.

Last updated: 14-Mar-2024

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