Stella James

I am Rachel Knight Assistant Coroner, for the coroner area of South Wales Central.

On 27 January 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Stella Ann JAMES . The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13/06/2023. The conclusion of the inquest was natural causes. Left Lobar Pneumonia Severe Malnutrition (BM1 12.8) Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) II  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

These were recorded as Stella Ann James was aged 40 when she died at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital on 20 th January 2021.  Stella had a complex medical history over a 6 year period. Over time, she had stopped tolerating food orally, due to pain and distressing symptoms. Stella had been thoroughly investigated for every conceivable physical, Psychiatric and Psychological cause. There was no evidence of anorexia symptoms, but she did fit the criteria for ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Disorder). took, to the point Stella was fed with a tube, but had restricted that she was malnourished and very underweight. On 19 amount of food she January 2021, her parents rang 999 after finding her minimally conscious at home. She was admitted to hospital and had a severe pneumonia with sepsis which was treated, however her condition deteriorated and she died the next day. The Inquest focused upon:- a. The diagnosis and treatment of Stella’s illness

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is ta circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. (1)  Stella appeared to meet the criteria as an ‘adult at risk of neglect avoidance and very low body weight, yet there was no apparent mec Services to be aware of Stella’s status.  Stella was very secretive an when assessed months before her death, although it is noted that thi (2) Could there be a register to include a person in Stella’s position, whereby unannounced house visits from a social worker can be an option? Perhaps involving a mechanism for anonymous referral?

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action.