Finding into death of Suzanne Laura McIllree

59y · Female·complications of sepsis due to cellulitis in a woman with multiple medical comorbidities

Suzanne McIllree, 59 years old with significant intellectual disability and primary lymphedema, died from sepsis secondary to cellulitis. She was admitted to hospital on 6 August 2015 after carers noted fever, lethargy, tachycardia, and elevated temperature. Her condition deteriorated over 8 days and she was palliated on 12 August, dying on 14 August. The coroner found the care provided by DHHS was reasonable and appropriate and exercised discretion not to hold an inquest as death was from natural causes. No systemic failures or preventable factors were identified in the investigation. For clinicians managing similar vulnerable patients with mobility limitations and skin integrity issues, vigilance for early signs of infection and prompt escalation remains important.