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A study on the care and treatment of a severely disabled woman killed by her mother says that this will happen unless adult services are improved and carers are better funded
Donella Knox was jailed for four years for the murder of her daughter severely impaired autism and intellectual disability.
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Donella Knox was jailed for four years in December for the murder of her critically ill daughter with autism and intellectual disability Ruby Knox in Blenheim in 2016. [19659006] His death, described by a lawyer as the most tragic he has ever had, triggered a review of the care provided by the Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board
Judge Joe Williams stated that the facts surrounding the death of Ruby
"This tragic event could have occurred in any DHB"
It triggered a review of care provided by the Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board, directed by pediatrician of Auckland Rosemary Marks
She made a list of recommendations to improve the transition from pediatric services to adult medical services.
His report showed no deficiency in health board staff, but systemic issues related to disability support and underfunded care.
Ruby Knox as a young child.
Supplied
Dr. Marks stated that if the Ministry of Health worked with all District Health Boards (DHBs) to address the needs of adults with disabilities, what would happen to Ruby would happen again. In my opinion, this review confirms the tireless efforts and expertise of the multidisciplinary teams who have been involved with Ruby over the years. "
Dr. Marks stated that disability support services were funded by
Justice Joe Williams in the conviction of Donella Knox after the death of her daughter
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Payment of up to 24 hours of support to carers has increased very little since the Ministry of Social Affairs voted in favor of health in 1993, said Dr. Marks. "As a result, it is difficult for families across the country to find appropriate caregivers," she said.
"I think these Systemic problems had an impact on Ruby's results by the pessimistic perception that Donella "
Nelson Marlborough Health Chief Medical Officer and Pediatrician, Nick Baker, said that even though the likelihood of a chain of # 39; ev Similar things were low, the likelihood that the service will treat young people and the care they lavish. "In Ruby's case, this chain of events includes very unusual factors, reported publicly during court proceedings, like Donella who sent her daughter home. [traduction libre] Dr. Rosemary Marks and Dr. Nick Baker “/>
Dr. Rosemary Marks and Dr. Nick Baker.
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
While the review validates the efforts of the Ruby teams, she identified recommendations for improving health services for people with high and low needs. complex. 19659008] Donella Knox felt that the medical profession had "given him the brush"
The court heard that in the months leading up to Ruby's death, Donella Knox was increasingly desperate and felt that the medical profession had
The report indicated that the disability program was very high – probably the highest in the country for a child or youth with a level of complexity and need.
He also stated that Ms. Knox made two threats to harm Ruby – one in March 2016 when she threatened in a home care call to "leave a cliff".
In May, she said, "I do not know what I would do to him." at the emergency of the Wairau Hospital. 19659006] Dr. Marks says that health professionals made efforts to follow Donella after the threats and that both times they were reassured by Ms. Knox
several days after the second threat Mrs. Knox gave sedatives to Ruby and smothered her.
Dr. Baker stated that the challenges faced by those providing care and support to people with complex needs can not be overstated.
"Autism is one of the most difficult conditions," he said.
Nelson Marlborough Health, and New Zealand as a whole, have invested in services to support people with autism over the past decade, he said.
Dr. Marks expressed hope that the Enabling Good Lives project and the current intersectoral pilot project in Auckland would result in better outcomes for people, like Ruby, of all ages and their families.
