Finding into death of Donna Michelle Corlett
Deceased
Donna Michelle Corlett
Demographics
53y, female
Date of death
2024-07-23
Finding date
2024-10-08
Cause of death
Aspiration pneumonia complicating cerebral palsy
AI-generated summary
Donna Michelle Corlett, a 53-year-old woman with cerebral palsy and intellectual disability residing in supported accommodation, died from aspiration pneumonia. She had been receiving palliative care following terminal decline noted in July 2024. The coroner found no evidence of deficient clinical management or care contributing to her death. Clinically, this case illustrates the importance of recognising terminal decline in patients with significant physical disabilities, the role of early palliative care involvement, and appropriate end-of-life management. The terminal state was identified and actively palliated, with hospital transfer arranged for symptom management. No systemic failures or preventable factors were identified.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Cerebral palsy with progressive motor dysfunction
- Terminal decline with inability to eat and altered conscious state
- Laboured breathing preceding death
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