Coronial inquiry: Families should be more involved
Facilities should implement a diary system for the families of all aged care residents, it was recommended by the deputy state coroner in a recent WA inquiry.
A coronial inquest into the tragic death of a former Western Australian (WA) aged care resident has concluded with a recommendation that all facilities should implement a diary system for the families of residents.
The recommendation was made by deputy state coroner, Evelyn Vicker, following an investigation into the circumstances around the death of Bethanie Waters resident, Dorothy Blackshaw, in November 2007.
The inquest examined how the 85-year-old’s broken hip (the result of a fall while living in the facility) went undiagnosed for up to seven days before she was taken to Fremantle hospital at the request of her family.
Had the deceased’s fracture been diagnosed prior to displacement, Ms Vicker said, it was possible that her prognosis could have been improved. However, the deputy coroner was unable to definitively conclude that the outcome would have been different.
Ms Vicker made no adverse findings against the Port Kennedy facility although she did express concern that input from the resident’s family was not acted upon by staff in a timely manner.
“The deceased’s family were concerned the deceased was not being given any pain relief unless requested by the family although it is apparent from the deceased’s medical files she was to be given paracetamol as pain relief as and when needed,” Ms Vicker said.
“I am however, of the view, not enough attention was paid to the concerns of the deceased’s family as to their observations of their mother’s condition.”
“I have no doubt the reality is Bethanie Waters is an appropriately accredited facility, provided they remain responsive to continuous improvement requests on behalf of the Accreditation Agency. I have reviewed the areas questioned by the Agency, and Bethanie Waters responses, and they seem to be appropriate.”
Ms Vicker therefore found it appropriate to recommend that more be done in all facilities to prevent future, similar situations from occurring.
“I am of the view that there should be more provision for families to have input into their observations of a resident, especially where a resident is not recorded as being a complainer and her family are clearly attentive and supportive of the resident.
“I would envisage it being a document which family members and visitors to a resident could complete as a separate entity from the progress notes.
“It would provide a comprehensive history to attending doctors as to individual circumstances and reasons for requests for doctors’ appointments.”
The inquest concluded on Tuesday. Recent media coverage has since reported that Ms Blackshaw’s family have allegedly not ruled out legal action against the care provider.
