‘Deeply distressing’: Disability royal commissioner concerned by death of SA woman with cerebral palsy – SBS News

The death of a South Australian woman with cerebral palsy who was forced to live in "disgusting and degrading" conditions is a "deeply distressing case", the man leading the disability royal commission says.

Ronald Sackville QC says his inquiry may also look directly into the plight of Ann-Marie Smith, who had been receiving full-time care through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The 54-year-old died in hospital in April from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishment.

The circumstances of her death are the subject of multiple inquiries including a police manslaughter investigation.

"It is inappropriate for the royal commission to initiate an immediate inquiry into events where that might prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation or a possible future prosecution," Commissioner Sackville said in a statement on Wednesday.

"For that reason, the royal commission will not at this time commence an inquiry into the specific circumstances surrounding Ms Smith's death.

"It is, however, open to the royal commission to undertake such an inquiry at a later stage and it will follow the progress of the other investigations."

Mr Sackville said people with disabilities had the right to live independently in the community and in the safety of their home.

He said his commission would expose many of the underlying issues that were pertinent to the circumstances of Ms Smith's death.

Premier Steven Marshall said the state government wanted to do everything possible to protect people living with a disability.

"The case has sickened us, sickened every single person here in South Australia," he said.

"We want to make sure this can never, ever happen again."

SA Premier Steven Marshall speaks to the media during a press conference in Adelaide, Wednesday, May 20, 2020

AAP

Police became involved in the case after a complaint was made to the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner about the standard of care Ms Smith received.

"Ann was living her days and sleeping at night in the same woven-comb chair in her lounge room for over a year," Detective Superintendent Des Bray said last week.

"That chair became her toilet, and there was no fridge and investigators were unable to locate any nutritional food in the house."

Readers seeking support with mental health can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available atBeyond Blue.org.au. You can find a disability advocate in your areahere.

Excerpt from:
'Deeply distressing': Disability royal commissioner concerned by death of SA woman with cerebral palsy - SBS News