Finding into death of Margaret Rose Ryan

62y · Female·Complications of progressive motor neurone disease

Margaret Rose Ryan, 62, died from complications of progressive motor neurone disease at a palliative care unit. She had severe disability including non-verbal status, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and deteriorating swallowing. In July 2018, her neurologist identified declining swallowing ability and she was deemed unsuitable for feeding tubes (PEG/NGT). A palliative care pathway was initiated from September 2018. By early October, her condition deteriorated further with reduced jaw tone and food pooling. She was admitted to palliative care on 5 October and died 8 days later. The Disability Services Commissioner reviewed care provision and found it reasonable and appropriate. No preventable factors were identified. The death was natural and expected given her progressive neurological disease.