Finding into death of Angela Murray

52y · Female·Aspiration pneumonia in a female who had undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholangitis and cholelithiasis who also suffered from pancreatitis and recent haematemesis

Angela Murray, a 52-year-old woman with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, died from aspiration pneumonia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholangitis and cholelithiasis complicated by pancreatitis. She had vomited large quantities of fluid prior to admission, including brown-coloured liquid suggesting possible haematemesis. Post-operatively, she experienced seizures and hypoxia requiring MET calls. The coroner found no relationship between her death and her status as a person in care. The case highlights risks of aspiration in patients with swallowing difficulties and neurological conditions, and the importance of recognising haematemesis as a significant warning sign requiring careful perioperative management and airway protection strategies.