Inquest into the death of Jaxon McGrorey-Smith

0y · Male·neonatal encephalopathy due to perinatal compromise

Jaxon McGrorey-Smith, a full-term neonate, was delivered by caesarean section after prolonged labour. He developed seizures and signs of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) within hours of birth, with MRI imaging confirming severe bilateral brain injury. After detailed discussions with the parents regarding prognosis, intensive care was withdrawn on day 2 of life, transitioning to palliative care. Jaxon died at home 27 days later. The inquest found that parents received adequate time for decision-making, had opportunities to review decisions, and that cessation of mechanical ventilation, anticonvulsants, nutrition and fluids constituted appropriate palliative care aligned with NSW Health guidelines. The commencement of morphine for comfort management was appropriately responsive to symptoms. The main learning opportunity identified was the potential value of specialised palliative care input and formalised advance care planning documents for neonates managed outside intensive care settings.