Coroner investigating mother's death during Albury mental health admission
Kate Manley, 46, died at Albury hospital in the early hours of November 16, 2022, after being admitted to Nolan House. File pictureA coroner is investigating the death of a mother who was admitted to Albury. . .
Kate Manley, 46, died at Albury hospital in the early hours of November 16, 2022, after being admitted to Nolan House. File pictureA coroner is investigating the death of a mother who was admitted to Albury Wodonga Health during a mental health crisis. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingSave 30%All articles from our website& appThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaKate Manley, 46, died at Albury hospital in the early hours of November 16, 2022. The Mercy hospital chef - who lived in Lavington with her partner and child - had a history of schizophrenia and depression, and other medical issues. She was first diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2001 and had multiple Nolan House admissions between 2006 and 2017. An Albury inqueston Thursday, July 30, heard she would become rapidly unwell and would stop eating or drinking, cease self-care, and become withdrawn. The 46-year-old would respond well to treatment, but her compliance with medication was problematic. Ms Manley, who smoked about 20 cigarettes a day, saw her doctor for mental health issues on November 9, 2022, and was "in a bad way". She was taken to hospital by her partner two days later and was in a catatonic state, and was withdrawn. It was noted she had mild tachycardia and was showing signs of schizophrenia. The coroner is investigating the late mother's treatment at the health service. File pictureThere were concerns she had an elevated temperature and at one point had consumed no food or fluids for 48 hours. She was taken to an acute medical ward on the night of November 15 for closer monitoring. The inquest heard she was mute and not responding and had to be manually transferred onto a ward bed. Two nurses who tried to take her blood at 12. 20am on November 16 both agreed she "did not look well". She was unresponsive and not breathing. CPR commenced, but she could not be resuscitated. Her medical cause of death was determined to be a pulmonary embolism. Mr Rooney said the inquest was examining whether Ms Manley received adequate care, whether the diagnosis of her mental health condition was appropriate, and whether there was an appropriate assessment of her physical health. The fact Nolan House is in NSW, but also subject to Victorian policies and oversight, would be examined, including whether that had any impact on the nature and quality of the care provided to her. Mr Rooney said whether any medical providers should be referred to the Medical Council of NSW, the Healthcare Complaints Commission, or any other bodies, would be examined. He acknowledged the profound loss, anguish and heartbreak her family members were grappling with. Coroner Rebecca Hoskin conveyed her sympathies. "I want to express my sincere condolences for the loss of your sister in tragic circumstances," she said to Ms Manley's twin brother Alexander. "It's very important to us to have a presence and engagement where it's possible because all of us that are here need to remember that there's a person behind these proceedings, and a family that have lost that person. "I appreciate it's a very difficult process. "I extend my sincere condolences for the loss of Kate in such tragic circumstances, and well before her time. "Ms Manley's partner, Jason Nelson, also viewed proceedings via video link. A large number of medical professionals and experts will give evidence at the inquest. More from HealthAs it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.