Coroner's Finding: ADAMSON Jean Anne

78y · Female·aspiration on a background of psychogenic dysphagia, intellectual impairment and chronic schizophrenia

Jean Anne Adamson, aged 78, died from aspiration on a background of psychogenic dysphagia, intellectual impairment, and chronic schizophrenia. She had experienced a swallowing phobia that recurred in September 2014, leading to dehydration and acute kidney injury. She was admitted to Royal Adelaide Hospital on a Mental Health Act order and managed by general medicine and psychiatry teams with subcutaneous fluid administration. On 6 November 2014, she had a vomiting and choking episode followed by a MET call. Following discussion with her sister, palliative care was initiated. She suffered an aspiration event, became hypoxic, and died. The coroner found no issues with her care and that all that could be done was done.