Inquest into the death of Rosemarie Campbell

62y · Female·Acute bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia

Rosemarie Campbell, 62, died 27 February 2022 from acute bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia following a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Wesley Hospital. Pre-operative failures: The surgeon inadequately investigated her reflux symptoms, failed to recommend endoscopy as first investigation, and rushed surgery with minimal preparation. He provided false documentation for superannuation funding, undermining credibility. Post-operative failures: Despite deteriorating vital signs (oxygen saturation and blood pressure) and persistent vomiting on discharge day (26 Feb), she was inappropriately discharged home. Nursing staff failed to properly escalate using the Q-AADS vital sign monitoring system; the surgeon was not informed of these findings and did not review her before discharge. Had she remained in hospital for proper assessment, the bowel obstruction would likely have been diagnosed and treated surgically, preventing death. The coroner identified systemic failures in discharge criteria, vital signs monitoring, and clinical escalation.