Finding into death of Sharon Ann Looby

Rule 60(1)

FORM 37

FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST

Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008

Court reference: 2186/09

Inquest into the Death of SHARON ANN LOOBY

Delivered On: Delivered At: | Hearing Dates:

Findings Of:

Place Of Death:

SCAU:

17 March 2010 Melbourne

17 March 2010 Coroner Parkinson Box Hill Hospital

Leading Senior Constable Greig McFarlane

lof3

FORM 37

Rule 60(1)

FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST

Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008

Court reference: 2186/09

In the Coroners Court of Victoria at Melbourne

I Kim M. W. Parkinson Coroner having investigated the death of:

Details of deceased:

Surname: LOOBY First name: SHARON Address: 70 KAWARREN STREET, BALWYN NORTH, 3104

AND having held an inquest in relation to this death on 17 March 2010 at Melbourne

Find that the identity of the deceased was Sharon Ann Looby And death occurred on 26 April 2009 At Box Hill Hospital, Nelson Street, Box Hill, 3128

From:

1(a) Multi organ failure 1(b) Pneumonia

Contributing Factors TI Down’s syndrome

In the following circumstances:

1,

Ms Looby was born on 6 May 1960 and she was 49 years of age at the time of her death, Ms Looby was a recipient of disability residential services provided by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the Disability Act 2006.

She suffered from Down’s Syndrome and was modcrately intellectually disabled. She had

been in the care of the Department of Human Services or it’s predecessors since her birth, Ms Looby had resided at Kew Residential Services for 34 years and was a resident at the Department of Human Services premises at 70 Kawarren Street, Balwyn North for the past 10 years, She was known by her carers as a helpful, kind and loving lady.

2 of 3

3, Ms Looby was a person in care as defined by s3(d) of the Coroners Act 2008 ("the Act") and accordingly her death was reportable pursuant to s5(c) of that Act. An inquest into her death is mandatory pursuant to s52(2)(b) of the Act. ‘This inquest has proceeded by summary of the circumstances.

4. Ms Looby’s medical care was provided by her General Practitioner Dr T.L.Lim. Dr Lim records that she was last seen on 16 April 2009 when she was given a Pneumovax injection, Ms Looby also complained of feeling unwell, with occasional sweats, cough and bloating. However examination did not reveal any abnormality. Dr Lim arranged for blood pathology. On 17 April 2009 Dr Lim received results which ‘revealed renal impairment and liver inflammation, After discussion with carers he advised that she be transferred to hospital for further assessment. Ms Looby was transported by ambulance and admitted to Box Hill Hospital at 5.30pm on 17 April 2009.

5. Ms Looby continued to deteriorate and she developed pneumonia and multi organ failure, She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on 19 April 2009 and was provided with intensive treatment and multi organ supportive therapy. Despite this assistance her condition deteriorated and she died on 26 April 2009,

6. An inspection and report was made to the coroner, by Dr Paul Bedford, Forensic Pathologist with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Dr Bedford reported the presumed cause of death as: 1(a) Multi organ failure, 1(b) Pneumonia and with Down’s Syndrome, a contributing factor.

7. I am satisfied as to this cause of death and find that Ms Looby died of natural causes.

There were no issues relating to the medical management or care provided to Ms Looby.

Having considered the available evidence I am satisfied that Ms Sharon Looby died on 2 April 2009 as a result of Multi organ failure and Pneumonia and that Down’s Syndrome was a contributing factor.

Ao A Coroner K, M, W. Parkinson Date: 17 March 2010

een

3 of 3