Inquest into the death of Hayden Dawes

27y · Male·acute myeloid leukaemia

Hayden Dawes, aged 27, died from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) while in custody at Mannus Correctional Centre on 30 December 2018. He had previously been treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma with BEACOPP chemotherapy (2014-2016), a known risk factor for treatment-related AML. When Hayden presented acutely unwell on 29 December with vomiting, diarrhoea, and physiological compromise (hypoxia 91%, tachycardia 133), nursing staff contacted an off-site GP who advised supportive care. Blood tests from 19 December were remarkably near-normal despite extensive bone marrow involvement found at autopsy. The coroner found clinical management adequate and appropriate, though noting missed opportunities: the HPNF (Health Problem Notification Form) was not completed to alert custodial staff to warning signs, the pathology results were not clearly communicated to the treating GP, and the medical alert card in Hayden's records was not reviewed by treating clinicians. However, expert evidence established that the blood results would not have prompted urgent action, the headache on 19 December was unlikely recognised as AML prodrome, and hospital transfer on 29 December likely would not have changed outcome.