Cameron was born on 22 February 1993. He had severe cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. He was non-verbal and used a wheelchair. He required support for all daily living activities and received all his nutrition and medication via a PEG.
In January 2020, Cameron moved into specialist disability accommodation in Mooroolbark. A family member reported that he was well cared for and enjoyed his time there.
In December 2023, Cameron suffered from a COVID-19 infection. After this, he had recurrent hospital admissions for aspiration pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections.
On 19 April 2024, Cameron was observed vomiting due to coughing at his residential care home. He was reviewed by a general practitioner for a suspected infection. A chest x-ray was ordered. On 23 April, the general practitioner reviewed the x-ray, noting a clear chest and low infection levels. Cameron was prescribed cold and flu tablets and advised to continue antibiotics. He vomited twice later that day.
The next day, a general practitioner was advised that Cameron had vomited again and experienced dystonia. Staff were advised to take him to hospital if vomiting persisted. On 28 April, support staff called Triple Zero due to low oxygen and continuous vomiting. Paramedics assessed him as stable. He was transported to a hospital by support staff and a family member.
At the hospital, Cameron was found to have mild pneumonia. He experienced intense dystonia. On 29 April, he became unresponsive, tachycardic, and hypotensive. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and stabilised on high-flow oxygen. In the early hours of 30 April, Cameron’s condition deteriorated. A family member was contacted. Medical staff met with his family, advising that his condition would continue to deteriorate. His family agreed to end-of-life care. A family member, a friend, and a support worker remained with him. Cameron died on 30 April 2024.
I would be interested to understand how the repeated vomiting and dystonia episodes were factored into his ongoing care plan.
The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia in a man with intellectual disability and epilepsy (palliated).