Coroner's Finding: Lauder, Ian Ross

80y · Male·general inanition and pneumonia on a background of advanced vascular dementia, cerebrovascular disease and right hip fracture (operated)

Ian Ross Lauder, aged 80, died at an aged care facility from pneumonia and general inanition on a background of advanced vascular dementia, cerebrovascular disease, and a recently operated right hip fracture. He had suffered a fall on 3 October 2019, sustaining a neck of femur fracture requiring surgery. During hospitalisation, he experienced a posterior cerebral artery stroke, anaemia requiring blood transfusions, gastrointestinal bleeding, and worsening delirium. Upon discharge, he continued to refuse food and medication, with further falls. Palliative care was commenced on 29 October 2019 and he died the following day. The coroner found no concerns regarding his care or the lawfulness of his custody and made no recommendations.