Finding into death of John Barrie Hughes

72y · Male·Bronchopneumonia in the setting of chronic aspiration in a man with mixed Alzheimer's and alcohol related dementia

A 72-year-old man with mixed Alzheimer's and alcohol-related dementia died of bronchopneumonia secondary to chronic aspiration in a psychogeriatric facility. He had severe ischaemic heart disease and prostate cancer. Despite placement on a Mental Health Act treatment order due to aggressive behaviour, he received appropriate palliative care once clinical deterioration became apparent in early April 2017. Goals of care discussions occurred on 10 March 2017, establishing a non-resuscitation plan aligned with his pre-morbid wishes. The coroner found the healthcare provided was reasonable and made no adverse findings regarding clinical management or causation related to his care status.