Inquest into the death of Vakabauta LEONE

47y · Female·complications of rapidly progressing motor neurone disease

A 47-year-old woman with motor neurone disease died from respiratory complications while in immigration detention, residing in aged care. She collapsed at 1:00am with respiratory distress. Nursing staff did not attempt CPR, apparently believing an undocumented 'not for resuscitation' directive existed. No such directive was found. Ambulance paramedics commenced CPR after significant delay. She was intubated but life support was withdrawn following neurological assessment and family discussion. The coroner found nursing staff acted in good faith given the terminal nature of her condition, but identified lack of clarity about her resuscitation status as problematic. The delay in CPR may have affected her survival prospects, though causation cannot be established. The aged care facility has since implemented policies to clarify resuscitation decision-making processes.