Finding into death of Glenda Elaine Shapcott

65y · Female·Pneumonia and right hip haematoma following a fall in a woman with multiple medical comorbidities

Glenda Shapcott, a 65-year-old woman with intellectual disability and multiple comorbidities, died from pneumonia and hip haematoma following a fall. She lived in supported disability accommodation and was under a palliative care plan agreed with her family. In her final week, she experienced rapid health deterioration with refusal of care and food. An unwitnessed fall occurred on 14 May, leading to hip pain and immobility. Hospital admission revealed resistance to investigation due to her distress and aggression. Despite discussions about sedation for imaging to exclude fracture, she died suddenly on 17 May before further investigations were completed. The coroner found no clinical mismanagement, but the case highlights challenges in balancing palliative care goals with investigation of acute injuries in patients with intellectual disability and difficulty tolerating procedures.