Finding into death of Jamie Peoples

3y · Male·Respiratory failure due to spastic quadriplegia and cerebral palsy

Jamie Peoples was a 3-year-old boy with profound disabilities including spastic quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, hearing and sight impairment. He required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for feeding and received ongoing support from speech and occupational therapists, along with genetic, neurological, ophthalmological and audiology services. In 2012, his health deteriorated significantly with progressive failure of major organs. He was admitted to The Northern Hospital on 13 March 2012 and managed palliatively over approximately three months until his death on 25 June 2012. The coroner found no evidence of improper care from the Department of Human Services, his grandmother, or The Northern Hospital during his management. His care was deemed to be within the parameters of reasonable health care practice. This case represents appropriate end-of-life management for a child with terminal, progressive neurological and systemic illness.