Madeleine McCrum: Coroner to probe death of star volleyballer found unresponsive in Alfred Health mental health unit

The death of a “beautiful and loving” woman, who was found unresponsive in room at an Alfred Health mental health unit, will be investigated by a coroner.

A coroner will investigate the death of Ormond woman Madeleine Jayde McCrum, who was found unresponsive in a mental health unit at Alfred Health.

The death of a beloved Ormond woman will be probed by a coroner, after she was found unresponsive in a mental health unit at Alfred Health.

Madeleine McCrum, 25, a much-loved daughter and sister and talented volleyball player, died on February 28 this year in her room at the Alfred Health Prevention and Recovery Care Unit (PARC).

At a mention hearing at the Coroners’ Court of Victoria on Friday, the court heard since Madeleine’s death, her parents have expressed several concerns regarding the management of their daughter’s complex medical and mental health conditions.

Madeleine was part of the Victorian Beach Volleyball Academy, with a tribute from the group describing her as “a star” and beautiful person.

But the beloved daughter and sister also faced a long battle with complex medical issues.

In an online tribute her parents wrote: “Gone too soon but pain free now as an angel in heaven. Rest in peace our baby girl, you will forever be in our hearts as we will be in yours. In all ways and for always we will love you. Love Mum and Dad.”

The court heard Madeleine was taken to the Alfred hospital after she was found unresponsive in a park on February 19, 2022.

Madeleine was reviewed by mental health clinicians the following day and asked to return home, stating that she had not found involuntary admissions helpful in the past.

She also declined an offer to undergo voluntary inpatient admission.

Madeleine was discharged on the afternoon of February 20, with follow up from the Alfred Health CAT (crisis assessment and treatment) team.

CAT team clinicians arranged referrals for Madeleine to receive psychotherapeutic treatments with a personality disorder initiative through Alfred Mental and Addiction Health, and for short term residential support at the Alfred Health PARC unit.

On the day prior to her admission to the PARC unit, February 25, she reported to CAT team clinicians during a home visit she was apprehensive about her admission to the unit.

She agreed to receive ongoing support from the CAT team over the weekend and expressed a willingness to engage with the PARC program, beginning her stay at the unit on February 26.

Madeleine was a star volleyball player and coach.

Madeleine walked from the PARC unit to the emergency department of the Alfred to seek treatment at 2.46am on February 27.

After her injury had been treated she expressed a preference to return to the unit.

She was discharged back to the PARC unit at 4.47am but did not notify overnight staff of her return as agreed.

Later that afternoon Madeleine told staff she was going to the shops and got back at 6.45pm.

Shortly after Madeleine spoke to a contact nurse about several distraction techniques and coping strategies for recent anxiety and distress relating to her current unfamiliar environment.

They also discussed several ways to contact PARC staff if she had any concerns and Madeleine agreed to meet daily with clinicians, and appeared to be looking forward to commencing her studies the following day.

Between 9.30am and 10.15am the next day PARC staff called Madeleine’s unit but she didn’t respond.

They phoned her mobile at 10.21am and a PARC support worker immediately attended her unit but again there was no response.

As a support worker entered Madeleine’s unit they found her unresponsive in the bathroom.

A medical officer and emergency services were alerted but paramedics were unable to revive Madeleine, and she was pronounced dead.

Since her death Madeleine’s parents have expressed concern her mental health treatment was prioritised over her physical conditions, and were particularly critical of Alfred Health and the level of communication with them throughout her hospital admissions.

Mr and Mrs McCrum also expressed concerns regarding the decision of Madeleine’s treating clinicians to place her at the PARC unit rather than in a secure psychiatric facility.

Coroner David Ryan said he was required by the Coroner’s Act to only inquire into matters which are sufficiently connected to the cause and circumstances of Madeleine’s death.

He proposed to limit the scope of his investigation to the discharge of Madeleine from the Alfred hospital on February 20, 2022; the referral of Madeleine to PARC; CAT team visits to Madeleine between February 21 and 25; and Madeleine’s time at the Alfred PARC unit between February 26-28, including her presentation to the emergency department of the Alfred on February 27.

He will refer the matter of Madeleine’s care and treatment at Alfred Health to the Coroner’s Prevention Unit (CPU), a specialist service for coroners, created to strengthen their prevention role and provide them with expert assistance.

Coroner Ryan will refer the matter to the health and medical team of the unit so he can get advice about the quality of care Madeleine received at Alfred Health.

“At the moment I don’t consider that an inquest will necessarily be required for me to be in a position to make the findings that I need to make under the act,” Coroner Ryan said.

“I haven’t made a final determination yet – it may depend on further consideration and also the referral to the CPU.”

The hearing was adjourned to a later date.