Finding into death of Angela Bella Kettyle

53y · Female·Aspiration pneumonia complicating large bowel obstruction due to faecal impaction

Angela Kettyle, a 53-year-old NDIS participant with significant comorbidities including Type II diabetes, cirrhosis, and chronic constipation, died from aspiration pneumonia complicating large bowel obstruction due to faecal impaction. She was admitted to Alfred Hospital on 3 November 2022 with abdominal distension and coarse lung crackles. CT imaging confirmed mechanical bowel obstruction with recto-sigmoid faecal impaction. She deteriorated with developing aspiration pneumonia and was transitioned to palliative care consistent with her advanced care directive. The coroner found medical treatment at Alfred Hospital was appropriate, the transition to end-of-life care was consistent with her wishes, GP care was comprehensive and patient-oriented, and the care provided by her SDA provider Scope Australia was appropriate and respectful. Death was due to natural causes with no preventability issues identified.