Deceased
Vicki Higgins
Demographics
48y, female
Coroner
Decision ofDeputy State Coroner Forbes
Date of death
2022-01-29
Finding date
2024-05-17
Cause of death
Ischaemic bowel; coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and Crohn's disease were significant contributing conditions
AI-generated summary
Ms Vicki Higgins, a 48-year-old woman with diabetes, Crohn's disease (with prior colectomy and ileostomy), and coronary artery disease, died from ischaemic bowel on day 17 of incarceration at Junee Correctional Centre during a severe COVID-19 outbreak. She was never medically screened despite being placed on high-risk protocols. Over 17 days, she repeatedly reported nausea, vomiting, inability to eat/drink, and requested hospital transfer. Nursing staff documented these symptoms on eight occasions but care was never escalated. Expert evidence confirmed inadequate care; both a gastroenterologist and GP stated she warranted hospital transfer despite uncertainty whether this would have prevented death. The coroner found the failure to perform reception screening was a significant missed opportunity and breach of guidelines. While the unprecedented COVID outbreak contributed to staff shortages, the systemic failures in assessment, escalation, and responsiveness were critical deficiencies.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
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