Coroner's Finding: Sheedy, Alan Noel

86y · Male·Traumatic closed head injury suffered in a fall

Alan Noel Sheedy, 86 years old, died from traumatic closed head injury sustained in a fall at a residential aged care facility. He had been admitted for respite care following previous falls and was assessed as moderate falls risk with appropriate prevention strategies implemented. On 6 December 2022, he fell in a corridor, likely due to acute ischaemic stroke related to COVID-19 infection. He was transferred to hospital where imaging revealed acute subdural haematoma and DVT. An IVC filter was inserted to manage the DVT without anticoagulation (contraindicated by intracranial bleeding). He developed seizures and died on 10 December. The coroner found the aged care facility's falls prevention strategy was appropriate and supervision would not have prevented the fall given the acute stroke. The hospital care was responsive and appropriate.