Inquest into the death of Peter Wallace

76y · Male·congestive cardiac failure complicated by type 2 respiratory failure

Peter Vernon Wallace was a 76-year-old man with schizophrenia subject to a Psychiatric Treatment Order, living in aged care. He had serious physical comorbidities including congestive cardiac failure, type 2 respiratory failure, morbid obesity, and type 2 diabetes. In May 2022, he transitioned to palliative care following a formal goals of care discussion, with a plan for symptom management at the aged care facility without hospital transfer or CPR. He died on 29 May 2023 of congestive cardiac failure. The coroner found that the clinical care provided was reasonable and appropriate, with clinicians taking reasonable steps to assess and manage his complex physical and mental health conditions. The coroner found that mental health care did not contribute to his death, no matter of public safety arose, and no adverse findings were made regarding the care providers.