An inquest has heard a Jehovah's Witness woman who bled to death in a Newcastle hospital may have survived if she revoked her wishes to refuse a transfusion on religious grounds or a court order was gained.
Deputy State Coroner David O'Neil is this week presiding over the inquest into the death of Heather Winchester, 75, in September 2019.
The inquest heard she was a Jehovah's Witness and before an admission to Maitland Hospital she signed documents refusing a transfusion of a series of blood products, even if it would result in her death.
Mrs Winchester was admitted to hospital for an elective hysterectomy, but there were complications and she lost a litre of blood.
Counsel-assisting Eve Elbourne detailed a timeline of events to the inquest.
"There was a contradiction in documents in relation to what products she would accept," Ms Elbourne said.
"She was transferred to the John Hunter Hospital as her condition deteriorated.
"There was a determination at the John Hunter Hospital that blood would be given to Mrs Winchester, with intention of saving her life.
"But when the situation escalated there was discussion with the Jehovah's Witness liaison committee and legal advice was sought by Hunter New England Area Health.
"As a result a transfusion did not occur."
Ms Elbourne noted that Mrs Winchester was the only person in her family to embrace the Jehovah's Witness faith.
"[But] there was no issue of any incapacity on the part of Mrs Winchester to make decisions on her own behalf," she told the inquest.
The inquest heard medical staff tried to intervene but could not due to legal advice.
"Staff attempted to override her wishes but the legal advice was that no, they could not," Ms Elbourne said.
Church documents tendered to the inquest said "it was entirely up to a patient to consent to a medical procedure even if it contributes to their own death".
The inquest heard there was only one alternative to override her decision.
"To go to the Supreme Court and seek an order, but it was considered there was insufficient time for that to occur," Ms Elbourne said.
At that point, Ms Elbourne said "a church elder was organised to pray for Mrs Winchester over the phone, given the sense of urgency".
Mrs Winchester's gynaecologist, Dr Azra Naseem, gave evidence Monday and said she told her patient about the "risks of bleeding and infection" in relation to a hysterectomy.
"The main risks were discussed. She told me she would not accept blood," Dr Naseem said.
Deputy State Coroner O'Neil told the court "the purpose of the inquest is not to attribute blame or fault".
"It is to look at issues surrounding the death and see what, if anything, could be put in place for the future to minimise the prospect of similar circumstances surrounding the passing of a loved one," he said.
The inquest is due to run until Friday.
