Inquest into the Death of Simon John SHARPE

Male·non-specific interstitial pneumonia

Simon John Sharpe, a sentenced prisoner with incurable non-specific interstitial pneumonia, died on 30 June 2017 at Fiona Stanley Hospital from progression of his lung disease. Throughout his 17-month imprisonment, Sharpe made multiple complaints about oxygen supply and medical care adequacy, claiming restrictions on access. Coroner's investigation found his allegations unsubstantiated—evidence demonstrated he had self-regulated oxygen access throughout imprisonment commensurate with community standards. His breathlessness resulted from progressive lung stiffness, not inadequate oxygen. Prison medical staff and hospital specialists coordinated regular specialist care, hospital admissions, and palliative management. Sharpe's complaints appeared driven by anxiety over terminal diagnosis and incarceration, with misplaced hope that demonstrating poor care would secure early release. Medical investigations, including independent HaDSCO review, found no evidence of inadequate care. The coroner found the death not preventable and medical supervision, treatment, and care appropriate.