Coroner's Finding: ASTACHNOWICZ Maria

76y · Female·left lower lobe pneumonia complicating metapneumovirus infection

Maria Astachnowicz, aged 76, died from left lower lobe pneumonia complicating metapneumovirus infection at Lyell McEwin Hospital. She had extensive psychiatric history (schizoaffective disorder/bipolar) with chronic mental health admissions, managed at Clements House aged care facility. She developed respiratory symptoms consistent with metapneumovirus infection, was prescribed antibiotics initially, and transferred to hospital when her condition deteriorated. She had mobility issues, obesity, diabetes and was non-compliant with psychiatric medications. The coroner found the care at all facilities appropriate, with no deficiencies identified. No treatment options were available (antivirals needed within 72 hours, which had passed). The police investigation found no suspicious circumstances.