Finding into death of Daniel McQuilken

68y · Male·Lung cancer

Daniel McQuilken, a 68-year-old man in immigration detention, died from metastatic lung cancer. His lung cancer diagnosis was made while detained, likely related to his significant smoking history and prior asbestos and occupational exposure. Throughout his detention, Mr McQuilken received reasonable and appropriate monitoring and care from International Health and Medical Services, with appropriate escalation following cancer diagnosis and multiple referrals to allied health and specialist services. His condition progressively worsened despite palliative chemotherapy. In his final admission, he developed fever, hypoxia and respiratory distress. Goals of care were appropriately established as ward-based management only, without intubation or CPR. He died from progressive lung cancer with respiratory failure. The coroner found no deficiency in medical care and noted that assessment and monitoring of both physical and mental health was reasonable and appropriate.