Finding into death of S W

55y · Male·Aspiration pneumonia in the setting of cervical myelopathy, Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease

SW, a 55-year-old man with Down Syndrome, cervical myelopathy, and Alzheimer's Disease, died from aspiration pneumonia at a palliative care unit. He was admitted to hospital on 6 April 2023 after his treating neurologist and speech pathologist identified him as at risk of aspiration and unable to be supported in his community disability accommodation. He was transferred to palliative care on 8 April 2023 and died 24 days later. The coroner found no want of clinical management or care by either the disability support provider or hospital staff that caused or contributed to his death. The death resulted from natural causes given his multiple comorbidities and progressive neurological decline.