THE homicide case of an elderly female resident in Western District Health Service’s aged care facility, The Birches, has been dropped.

State Coroner, Judge John Cain, handed down his findings last week in regard to the death of Irene Donne who had been a resident at The Birches since late 2018 where she died in May 2020, aged 85.

The report stated that on April 23, 2020, Mrs Donne was involved in an altercation when she was shoved with both hands by another resident, Mr Lindsay Ford, in the passageway outside the sunroom.

Mrs Donne reportedly fell back and hit her head.

An employee witnessed the incident and immediately rendered assistance to Mrs Donne, called for assistance and was quickly joined by other staff.

The mother of four was a long-term resident of Hamilton and had worked as a secretary at Monivae College until retirement.

Mrs Donne later worked as a volunteer at Hamilton’s St Vincent de Paul. She initially volunteered in the Opportunity Shop but later became president and an area manager for St Vincent de Paul.

The Coroner’s report stated that at the time of her death, Mrs Donne was suffering from dementia, however, although she was frail, was still mobile and capable of making her own way around The Birches unassisted.

As a result of that incident, she suffered injuries and her health deteriorated over the subsequent days. She remained at The Birches until her passing on May 3, 2020.

The Coroner found the cause of Mrs Donne’s death were complications following the fall.

An autopsy found there was evidence of a skull fracture with multiple rib fractures associated with pneumonia.

Police commenced an investigation into the circumstances which led up to the altercation with Mr Ford, and Mrs Donne’s subsequent death.

As part of the investigation, a medical report from psychiatrist Mark Ives was obtained in relation to Mr Ford’s medical condition which stated that he had a diagnosis of advanced dementia and that he could become agitated.

“I have carefully reviewed … the various policies and procedures, and I am satisfied that the arrangements in place for managing residents were reasonable and appropriate,” Judge Cain said.

“I am also satisfied that the employees at The Birches reacted quickly and appropriately to the incident on 23 April 2020 in separating both parties, rendering assistance to Mrs Donne, and arranging medical assistance as required.

“I am satisfied that no further investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs Donne is required.”

Mr Ford passed away in October 2021 from natural causes.