Finding into death of Barbara Grace Bright

73y · Female·Pneumonia (palliated)

Barbara Grace Bright, 73, died of pneumonia at Frankston Hospital. She was a long-term resident of specialist disability accommodation with cerebral palsy, dysphagia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. From July 2024, she experienced progressive decline with reduced oral intake and swallowing difficulties. A speech pathologist provided a mealtime management plan. Her geriatrician advised against resuscitation and hospital transfer, noting an advance care plan was not finalised. On 3 March, support staff noted lethargy and called emergency services; she was transported to hospital where dehydration and hypernatremia were identified with radiological evidence of pneumonia. Comfort care was implemented following discussion with her medical guardian. The coroner found no deficiency in care by disability support provider or hospital staff.