Coroner's Finding: Rerich, Josef
Deceased
Josef Rerich
Demographics
78y, male
Date of death
2020-07-01
Finding date
2023-04-11
Cause of death
multi-organ failure complicating neck of femur fracture (operated) on a background of renal and cardiac failure, infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease and right cerebellar infarction
AI-generated summary
A 78-year-old man with multiple comorbidities (heart failure, renal disease, COPD) suffered a neck of femur fracture from an unwitnessed fall at an aged care facility. Post-operatively he deteriorated with acute renal failure, respiratory compromise, and delirium with combative behaviour. A Level 1 Inpatient Treatment Order was imposed to facilitate safe administration of intramuscular haloperidol. He developed multi-organ failure with pulmonary oedema and died four days post-operatively. The coroner found no criticism of medical treatment, the ITO was valid and appropriate, and hospital staff complied with Mental Health Act requirements. Death resulted from natural causes complicating the fracture and underlying medical conditions.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Procedures
Contributing factors
- fall at aged care facility
- acute on chronic renal failure post-operatively
- pulmonary oedema
- cardiac failure
- delirium and combative behaviour
- recent right cerebellar infarction
- multiple comorbidities
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