Finding into death of Jennifer Ann Grieves

70y · Female·Perforated diverticulitis

A 70-year-old woman with NDIS support living in a Specialist Disability Accommodation presented to hospital with constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. After initial ED assessment and discharge with constipation management, her symptoms worsened and she re-presented 5 days later with haematemesis. She was admitted and stabilised but deteriorated further, with imaging revealing bowel perforation. Given her advance directives (Do Not Resuscitate order and Medical Power of Attorney), surgical intervention was not pursued. She died from perforated diverticulitis. The coroner found no evidence of want of clinical management or care by either the disability accommodation provider or hospital staff that caused or contributed to her death. The case highlights the importance of appropriate management of constipation in vulnerable populations and timely follow-up when symptoms persist despite initial treatment.