Coroner's Finding: Wilkins, Reginald James

86y · Male·ischaemic and hypertensive heart disease

An 86-year-old man died of ischaemic and hypertensive heart disease while serving a prison sentence. He had multiple comorbidities including atrial fibrillation, congestive cardiac failure, and cirrhosis. The coroner examined the adequacy of medical care provided by the South Australia Prison Health Service (SAPHS) during his incarceration. Medical records showed appropriate monthly consultations, medication adjustments, referrals to cardiology, and respect for his end-of-life wishes documented in October 2022. He had explicitly declined life-prolonging interventions. The coroner found his medical management was adequate and in accordance with his expressed wishes. No concerns were raised regarding the care provided. The death resulted from natural causes with no evidence of trauma or foul play. No recommendations were made.