Inquest into the death of Robert Sievers
Deceased
Robert Theo Sievers
Demographics
81y, male
Date of death
2023-05-12
Finding date
2025-09-15
Cause of death
COVID-19 infection on a background of Type 2 Diabetes and end stage chronic kidney disease
AI-generated summary
Robert Sievers, an 81-year-old man incarcerated since 2001, died from COVID-19 infection on a background of type 2 diabetes and end-stage chronic kidney disease. Despite multiple warnings about vaccination, Sievers refused COVID-19 vaccination, stating he saw no point in prolonging his incarceration. He contracted COVID-19 on 1 May 2023 and declined transfer from Kevin Waller Unit to the Medical Sub-acute Unit. Over subsequent days his condition deteriorated with multiple falls and non-compliance with insulin. On 10 May he finally agreed to transfer to ACRU where he was assessed as terminal, transitioned to palliative care with appropriate comfort measures including morphine and midazolam, and died peacefully on 12 May with excellent end-of-life care provided. The coroner found his final care appropriate and made no critical findings regarding medical management.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- refusal of COVID-19 vaccination
- end stage chronic kidney disease
- type 2 diabetes with poor glycaemic control
- advanced age and frailty
- congestive heart failure
- history of non-compliance with medications including insulin
- repeated falls and declining mobility
- social isolation and depression
- resistance to hospital transfer
Coroner's recommendations
- The general provision of appropriate aged care accommodation or nursing home type facilities for prisoners should be improved across NSW
- Care should be provided right across NSW so that prisoners may stay near their families or supports
- There should be an option for accommodation at a purpose-built aged care unit or nursing home for older prisoners who do not necessarily require daily or high-level hospital care but would benefit from living and sleeping in an environment that is comfortable and safe for older people
- The provision of appropriate services for frail and aged inmates is a matter of considerable importance, particularly as the aged cohort in custody continues to grow in size
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