Coronial
SAaged care

Coroner's Finding: Elliott, Ronald Arthur

Deceased

Ronald Arthur Elliott

Demographics

80y, male

Date of death

2020-07-04

Finding date

2024-01-19

Cause of death

aspiration pneumonia on a background of severe oropharyngeal dysphagia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by fractured left neck of femur (operated)

AI-generated summary

Ronald Arthur Elliott, aged 80, died of aspiration pneumonia complicated by severe oropharyngeal dysphagia and COPD following a hip fracture. He fell on 12 June 2020, underwent left hip hemiarthroplasty at Flinders Medical Centre, and was discharged but readmitted with deterioration. The coroner found no concerns regarding his care at the aged care facility or hospital. The case highlights the high mortality risk in elderly patients with femur fractures (25% at 30 days, 50% at one year) and the complex medical management required. The surgeon noted pneumonia likely preceded the fall rather than resulting from it, suggesting underlying respiratory compromise. Guardianship orders were appropriately implemented given Mr Elliott's fluctuating delirium and cognitive impairment. The coroner found the care and treatment received was appropriate and made no recommendations.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

orthopaedic surgerygeneral medicinepalliative caregeriatric medicine

Clinical conditions

aspiration pneumoniaoropharyngeal dysphagiachronic obstructive pulmonary diseasefemoral neck fracturesquamous cell carcinoma of tongueatrial fibrillationdeliriumcognitive impairmentavascular necrosispleural effusion

Procedures

left hip hemiarthroplasty

Contributing factors

  • severe oropharyngeal dysphagia
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • history of falls
  • advanced age
  • post-operative recovery from hip fracture
  • squamous cell carcinoma of tongue with nerve damage
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