Inquest into the Death of Gregory Andrew Furniss

25y · Male·cerebral craniopharyngioma

Gregory Andrew Furniss, a 25-year-old male with a history of asthma and congenital cataracts, presented to Swan District Hospital on 11 August 2002 with a persistent headache. He was seen by Dr H. (registrar) who diagnosed migraine and commenced symptomatic treatment. He was admitted overnight under Dr T. (RMO) with 2-hourly neurological observations. The deceased's headache was fluctuating (8/10 to 3/10 to 6-7/10) but he remained alert and orientated. He was discharged the following morning after reporting his headache had improved, though nursing notes suggested pain remained at 6-7/10 at 06:25hrs. Post-discharge, he attended another GP who recommended CT scan but no urgent indication was documented. The appointment was delayed due to equipment issues. He died at home hours later. Post-mortem revealed a large cerebral craniopharyngioma causing raised intracranial pressure. The coroner found the death was natural causes but noted that early CT imaging could have provided lifesaving diagnosis and surgical intervention.