Finding into death of PDR

78y · Male·Acute pancreatitis

A 78-year-old man with a long history of mental illness and multiple chronic physical conditions died from acute pancreatitis on 12 May 2025, nine days after presenting with nausea and vomiting at Thomas Embling Hospital (a forensic mental health facility). He was rapidly transferred to Austin Hospital where CT imaging confirmed acute interstitial oedematous pancreatitis. Despite supportive care with fluids, analgesia and anti-emetics, his condition deteriorated and he was transitioned to palliative care. The Coroners Prevention Unit found no areas of concern with his medical management. The cause of pancreatitis was unclear; while some antipsychotic medications can rarely cause pancreatitis, he had tolerated these for decades and required them. His death could not have been predicted or prevented based on available evidence. The facility's internal review identified minor administrative improvements regarding documentation of blood results and inclusion of chronic conditions in care plans.