Finding into death of Craig John Reynolds

62y · Male·Hypertensive and ischaemic heart disease in a man with diabetes mellitus

Craig John Reynolds, 62, died from hypertensive and ischaemic heart disease with diabetes mellitus. He was residing in NDIS-funded short-term accommodation at Carroll House when he suffered a fall on 22 June 2023. He subsequently developed severe anaemia, hypoglycaemia, and gastrointestinal bleeding from multiple gastric ulcers, requiring ICU admission on 28 June. Despite medical advice, he self-discharged on 30 June against advice of his treating physicians. He returned to Carroll House and died two days later from sudden cardiac arrhythmia. The coroner found no evidence that his care was inappropriate. The case highlights risks of self-discharge in medically complex patients with multiple comorbidities, and the importance of medication management and follow-up after acute hospitalisation.