Finding into death of Frances Mary Hayden

78y · Female·Complications of mandibular fractures sustained in a fall, in the setting of malnutrition, schizoaffective disorder, and osteoporosis

Frances Hayden, 78, died from complications of mandibular fractures sustained in a fall at an aged care facility. She had long-standing schizoaffective disorder with associated anorexia, resulting in severe malnutrition (BMI 13.3) and osteoporosis at the time of death. She fell on 25 September 2024, sustaining a jaw fracture that limited oral intake. Despite dietitian support, she continued to decline and died 22 days later. The coroner found her care was reasonable and appropriate, and that she was given appropriate agency in her treatment decisions, including her refusal of investigations for gastrointestinal bleeding and further interventions. No clinical errors or preventability factors were identified.