Coroner's Finding: Slabkowski,_Mary

MAGISTRATES COURT of TASMANIA

CORONIAL DIVISION Record of Investigation into Death (Without Inquest) Coroners Act 1995 Coroners Rules 2006 Rule 11 I, Duncan Fairley, Coroner, having investigated the death of Mary Slabkowski Find that: a) The identity of the deceased is Mary Slabkowski; b) Mrs Slabkowski died in the circumstances set out below; c) Mrs Slabkowski died as a result of a subarachnoid haemorrhage associated with a closed head injury; d) Mrs Slabkowski died on 8 April 2015 at the Launceston General Hospital; e) Mrs Slabkowski was born in Hobart, Tasmania on 23 August 1916 and was aged 98 years; and f) Mrs Slabkowski was widowed and was a pensioner at the date of death.

Background: Mary Slabkowski was born in Hobart, Tasmania on 23 August 1916. As at the date of her death Mrs Slabkowski was widowed subsequent to the death of her second husband in or about 1990. Mrs Slabkowski is survived by her 2 children, born to the union with her first husband.

Mrs Slabkowski is described as having an uncomplicated medical history. She had a history of hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and impaired vision. There were also concerns relating to Mrs Slabkowski’s mobility. Her various medical conditions were managed by Mrs Slabkowski’s general practitioner and she was the receiptient of in-home care provided by Anglicare Tasmania on a thrice weekly basis.

Circumstances Surrounding the Death: At approximately 12.30pm on 31 March, 2015 Jodie Maree Johns (Anglicare Carer) attended Mrs Slabkowski’s home at 37 Ronneby Road, Newnham. Ms Johns was unable to gain access and observed that the curtains to the residence were still drawn. On hearing a call for help coming from inside the residence Ms Johns immediately summoned assistance from both Mrs Slabkowski’s family and Tasmania Ambulance Service.

Upon entering the premises Ambulance personnel located Mrs Slabkowski lying on the floor of the lounge room. She was noted to have suffered an injury to the left side of her head with blood evident both in the lounge room and kitchen of the residence.

Mrs Slabkowski was taken by ambulance to the Launceston General Hospital where she was admitted. She was able to advise staff that she had tripped on one of the wheels of her walker approximately 6 hours prior to being found by Ms Johns. Scans confirmed the presence of a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Subsequently, Mrs Slabkowski’s treating practitioners determined that the brain injury suffered was non-survivable. Mrs Slabkowski remained at the hospital where palliative care was provided. At 8.30pm on 8 April 2015 Mrs Slabkowski was found deceased by nursing staff.

On 9 April, 2015 Dr Terrence Brain (Pathologist) performed a post mortem investigation. He determined that the cause of death was a subarachnoid haemorrhage associated with the above described fall. I accept Dr Brain’s opinion and am satisfied that Mrs Slabkowski died in the circumstances set out in this finding.

Comments and Recommendations: In the circumstances there is no need for me to make any further comments or recommendations.

In concluding, I convey my sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Slabkowski.

Dated: 20 February 2017 at Launceston in the State of Tasmania.

Duncan Fairley Coroner