Coroner's Finding: FOSTER Patricia Marie

76y · Female·infective exacerbation of chronic congestive cardiac failure due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus on a background of advanced dementia and schizophrenia

Patricia Marie Foster, 76, died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital from infective exacerbation of chronic congestive cardiac failure due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. She presented with multifactorial respiratory distress complicated by advanced dementia, schizophrenia, and behavioural disturbance. She was placed on an Inpatient Treatment Order due to risk to self and others when refusing treatment and removing oxygen mask. Despite appropriate medical treatment with bronchodilators, oxygen, and steroids, her condition declined over four days. She was found unresponsive at 4:50am with a Do Not Resuscitate directive in place. The coroner found care was appropriate and detention lawful. No clinical errors or preventability issues were identified.