Finding into death of Raylene Barbara Armstrong

55y · Female·Aspiration pneumonia in a woman with cerebral palsy (spastic quadriparesis)

Raylene Barbara Armstrong, a 55-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriparesis, dysphagia and achalasia, died from aspiration pneumonia. She had a complex medical history requiring pureed foods and thickened fluids. Following GP assessment for coughing and swallowing difficulties on 2 January 2019, she was admitted twice to hospital in January. She was discharged on 18 January and readmitted on 20 January with lethargy, shallow breathing, urinary retention and renal dysfunction. She was transferred to Wantirna Hospital on a palliative pathway and died on 5 February 2019. Reviews by the Coroners Prevention Unit and Disability Services Commissioner found no preventable opportunities and confirmed that disability support staff provided appropriate, attentive care consistent with her support plans and proper escalation of her deteriorating health.