Coroner hears unused $75,000 NDIS plan before disabled woman's death

An inquest opened at the South Australian Coroners Court examined the death of Nancy Margaret White, a 50-year-old with intellectual disability, limited mobility and verbal communication. After a hospital admission in 2021, she returned to the care of her brother Norman White, who acted as her full-time carer. Although a $75,000 per-year NDIS plan was approved on 18 November, Norman never completed the paperwork, saying he "never got around to" it and struggled with reading.

On 5 September 2022, paramedics found her weighing about 40 kg, covered in vomit and suffering hypothermia; she died the following day from acute peritonitis caused by a small-bowel perforation. Coroner Laura Crase said the inquiry will explore ways to safeguard vulnerable individuals who lack an advocate to access disability services, and a National Disability Insurance Agency representative will testify on reforms made since the death.