Finding into death of Dianne Christine Hobbs

69y · Female·Metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma

Dianne Hobbs, a 69-year-old woman with intellectual disability living in supported accommodation, died from metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma. Advanced ovarian cancer was diagnosed in November 2022 following imaging and paracentesis. She received palliative care from January 2023. Following a fall in mid-January with subsequent ED presentations for hip pain and reduced weight-bearing ability, imaging revealed no fractures. Her condition deteriorated despite appropriate pain management, and she was transitioned to syringe driver analgesia before death. The coroner found the care provided proximate to death was reasonable and appropriate. No clinical errors, diagnostic failures, or preventable factors were identified. This case emphasises the challenges of managing advanced malignancy in vulnerable populations and the importance of appropriate palliative care provision.