Deceased
Michael John O'Connell
Demographics
57y, male
Coroner
Coroner Paul Lawrie
Date of death
2023-04-27
Finding date
2024-01-15
Cause of death
Pneumonia
AI-generated summary
Michael John O'Connell, a 57-year-old man with Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive decline, died from pneumonia while resident in specialist disability accommodation. On 26 April 2023, he exhibited signs of illness including unusual soiling and agitation. He was found unresponsive the following morning and despite immediate CPR and paramedic resuscitation attempts, could not be revived. Autopsy confirmed pneumonia, predominantly left-sided, with elevated C-reactive protein indicating infection. Clinical lessons include the importance of recognising subtle signs of deterioration in vulnerable populations with cognitive impairment, where behavioural changes and soiling may be early indicators of serious infection. Timely medical review and consideration of hospital assessment when acute signs develop could potentially have altered outcomes, though the rapid progression suggests limited preventability.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
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