Hamilton, Stella
Deceased
Stella Hamilton
Demographics
72y, female
Date of death
2016-07-31
Finding date
2018-12-14
Cause of death
undetermined
AI-generated summary
Stella Hamilton, 72, died at Ozcare Malanda aged care facility on 31 July 2016. She had advanced Alzheimer disease, undiagnosed necrotising bronchopneumonia, and coronary atherosclerosis. She was receiving palliative care with morphine via syringe driver for pain management. Five days before death, her daughter Caroline requested euthanasia (the 'blue needle') from her GP, which was declined. Mrs Hamilton was found deceased with bedclothes covering her entire body including her head. The coroner found a person other than Mrs Hamilton intentionally placed the bedclothes over her head, but could not identify who or determine whether this occurred before or after death. The cause of death was determined as undetermined. Key clinical lessons: ensure robust pain management in palliative care; document and manage family requests for euthanasia clearly; establish clear security and monitoring protocols in aged care facilities; and maintain detailed records of patient condition and positioning.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- advanced Alzheimer disease
- necrotising bronchopneumonia
- coronary atherosclerosis
- cachexia
- severe pain inadequately managed prior to syringe driver
- family distress regarding prolonged dying process
- bedclothes placed over deceased's head by unknown person
- possible inadequate security and monitoring in dementia unit
Coroner's recommendations
- Referral of key issues regarding CCTV use in aged care, privacy, capacity and consent to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- Consideration of legislative amendment to Queensland Criminal Code sections 227A, 227B and 227C to clarify use of CCTV in aged care facilities
- Clarification of who can consent to CCTV monitoring in aged care facilities, including role of attorneys/guardians and Commonwealth representatives
- Development of whole-of-industry approach to security and monitoring in aged care facilities balancing safety, privacy and dignity
- Enhanced policies and practices regarding CCTV at facility entry/exit points and room entry/exit points, with appropriate signage and consent processes
Full text
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