Finding into death of Robert Arthur Selby Lowe

84y · Male·Urinary tract infection in a man with Parkinson's disease

An 84-year-old man with Parkinson's disease and dementia died from urinary tract infection with sepsis while incarcerated. On 3 November 2021, he developed fever and confusion; antibiotics were commenced. The following morning, a locum medical officer noted haemodynamic instability and recommended hospital transfer, but this was not acted upon. However, following intravenous fluid administration, the patient's condition improved substantially—confusion resolved, vital signs stabilised, oral intake resumed—with apparent acceptance of continued on-site management. He collapsed unexpectedly that evening. The coroner found no clinical want of care; the patient's apparent improvement made hospital transfer seem unnecessary at the time, and the MO's subsequent decision to continue current management was reasonable given the clinical trajectory.