Coronial
VICother

Finding into death of Paul Arthur Phelps

Deceased

Paul Arthur Phelps

Demographics

76y, male

Coroner

Coroner Paul Lawrie

Date of death

2024-01-09

Finding date

2025-04-01

Cause of death

Complications of metastatic renal cancer in a man with multiple medical co-morbidities

AI-generated summary

A 76-year-old man with metastatic renal cancer and multiple comorbidities died in prison from complications of his malignancy. Following a family meeting in November 2023, goals of care were clarified and the patient chose to remain in the prison medical unit for end-of-life care rather than continue hospital admissions. His condition deteriorated through November and December, with increasing confusion and drowsiness managed with comfort care. Oral medications were ceased on 8 January with comfort care initiated. He was found unresponsive on 9 January and declared deceased shortly after. A comprehensive departmental review found custodial management and healthcare were appropriate and met required standards. The coroner found no issues of concern with his care and confirmed death from natural causes.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

oncologyurologypalliative carecorrectional health

Clinical conditions

metastatic renal cell carcinomahydronephrosisnon-Hodgkin's lymphomalung adenocarcinomachronic kidney diseasehypertensionhyperlipidaemia

Contributing factors

  • advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma with invasion into peritoneum, psoas muscle and duodenum
  • right hydronephrosis from ureter invasion
  • multiple chronic comorbidities including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung adenocarcinoma and chronic kidney failure
  • declining functional status
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