Finding into death of Michael Ruawai Robin

59y · Male·Respiratory failure with paraplegia as a significant contributing factor

Michael Ruawai Robin, a 59-year-old man with paraplegia and incomplete quadriplegia (C4-C6), died from respiratory failure at Werribee Mercy Hospital on 22 June 2023. He presented with a rash and urinary tract infection on 13 June, then deteriorated on 17 June with acute coronary syndrome and decreased oxygen saturation. His condition continued to decline with decreased mobility, fluctuating consciousness, increasing shortness of breath, and a likely aspiration event. An advanced care plan was in place and end-of-life care was initiated. The coroner found no evidence of want of clinical management or care by either the SIL provider or hospital staff that caused or contributed to death. The death resulted from natural causes with paraplegia as a significant contributing factor.