Deceased
Kimberley Michael VULICH
Demographics
64y, male
Coroner
Deputy State Coroner Linton
Date of death
2020-11-30
Finding date
2025-02-12
Cause of death
complications in association with thermal injuries in a man with underlying chronic liver disease, medically palliated
AI-generated summary
Kim Vulich, a 64-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis from chronic alcohol use, developed hepatic encephalopathy and cognitive impairment including possible Korsakoff syndrome. Despite SAT guardianship orders and hospital care, he repeatedly discharged himself against medical advice from Bunbury, Collie, and Bridgetown Hospitals. On 27 November 2020, he left Bridgetown Hospital despite nursing staff raising safety concerns with the attending doctor about his confused mental state and apparent lack of capacity. Police welfare checks over the weekend were not prioritized. Two days later, Kim lit a fire in his caravan for light and heat (having no electricity) which burned out of control, causing severe thermal injuries. Key lessons: establish alert flags in digital records for patients with guardianship orders to clarify decision-making authority; improve handover communication between hospitals regarding capacity assessments and living conditions; provide secure dementia care facilities in regional areas; and ensure appropriate geriatric outpatient services can intervene before hospitalization.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Clinical conditions
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