Inquest into the Death of GARRETT

52y · Male·HIV infection complicated by basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Bruce Jason Garrett, a 52-year-old prisoner detained under the Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act, died at Royal Perth Hospital on 2 October 2010 from HIV infection complicated by basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. He had been diagnosed with HIV in 2002 and developed extensive facial and oropharyngeal malignancies from 2004 onwards, which he largely refused treatment for until September 2010. He presented with severe bleeding from the mouth and was admitted to hospital where he underwent intubation, tracheostomy, and embolisation of the lingual artery. He was managed palliatively thereafter and died approximately two weeks after admission. The coroner found the cause of death was natural causes and concluded the supervision, treatment and care provided was reasonable. Key recommendations focused on developing protocols for managing terminally ill prisoners, including NFR documentation, removal of restraints, and dedicated medical facilities.