Coroner's Finding: SGAMBATO Raffaele

84y · Male·malnutrition in conjunction with heart, liver and kidney failure

An 84-year-old man with severe dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, chronic renal failure, and behavioural disturbance was admitted to Royal Adelaide Hospital following a fall. He displayed acute psychiatric symptoms with threats of violence and suicide, requiring Mental Health Act detention. Despite discussions with family about his poor prognosis and multiple comorbidities, a palliative approach was adopted after he became unresponsive and refused oral intake. He died from malnutrition complicated by cardiac, hepatic and renal failure. The coroner found the detention lawful and appropriate, and the medical treatment provided was lawful, appropriate, humane and necessary. No preventability issues were identified.