Inquest into the death of Richard John O'Connor

76y · Male·congestive cardiac failure

Richard John O'Connor, a 76-year-old prisoner, died of congestive cardiac failure at Prince of Wales Hospital after a two-week admission. He had a long history of cardiac disease including previous valve replacement and atrial fibrillation. His health was appropriately assessed on entry to custody, his pre-existing conditions were well-documented, medications were continued, and he received regular medical reviews including specialist cardiology and respiratory assessment in 2015. When respiratory difficulties developed in March 2016, he was appropriately admitted to hospital. The coroner found no issues with the quality of medical care provided either in custody or in hospital, and made no recommendations for improvement.