Decision for coroner
THE daughter of a woman at the centre of euthanasia allegations at a Tablelands agedcare facility has refused an opportunity to seek further legal advice.
Fiona Hamilton maintains she did not tell nurse Jenny Plowman, “Hamish told me that if we cover her face … she will go quicker” after her mother was found dead on July 31, 2016.
Ms Plowman told a coronial inquest that when she found Stella Hamilton, her sheet and blanket had been pulled over her head, and that moments later, Ms Hamilton had made the comment.
The terminally-ill 72-yearold had been in palliative care at the Malanda Ozcare facility’s dementia ward and had been unconscious and on morphine in the days leading up to her death.
Ms Hamilton was recalled to give evidence yesterday and she again denied making the comment to Ms Plowman.
“I’m going to have to make some findings that will require me to identify and assess the truth of the matter … based on all the evidence,” Coroner Nerida Wilson said.
If the coroner finds that Ms Plowman’s evidence is credible, the comment would be attributed to Ms Hamilton.
“Before I close the inquest … I’d like to offer you the opportunity to get further legal advice if you’re unclear about the meaning and intent of what I’m trying to convey to you now,” Coroner Wilson said. “There are available to you the opportunity to give further evidence … If you were to give evidence that you felt might incriminate you, you would be entitled to claim privilege.”
Ms Hamilton said she was “happy without the legal representation”. “I feel I don’t need it,” she said.
Ms Hamilton has denied any involvement in her mother’s death.
Forensic pathologist Nathan Milne said he couldn’t determine cause of death.
“In the circumstances, it would be very easy to smother someone without leaving any signs,” he said.
The court heard that Dr Milne, along with Mrs Hamilton’s GP, Diana House, only viewed the death as possibly suspicious because of what Ms Plowman said about the bedding and Ms Hamilton’s alleged comment.
Mrs Hamilton’s family and Malanda Ozcare staff have also given their thoughts about CCTV cameras being placed in aged-care facilities.
Coroner Wilson will deliver her findings on a date to be fixed.