Coroner's Finding: BROWN Graham Douglas

79y · Male·combined cardiac, respiratory and renal failure as terminal events on a background of end stage dementia

Graham Douglas Brown, a 79-year-old man with end-stage dementia, died at Noarlunga Hospital from combined cardiac, respiratory and renal failure. He was subject to a Level 2 Mental Health Act Inpatient Treatment Order at the time of death, making this a mandatory inquest. The coroner found that care and treatment provided during his hospital admission was appropriate. Mr Brown had significant comorbidities including insulin-dependent diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, chronic renal failure, and advanced mixed dementia with behavioural issues. By early April 2019, his condition had deteriorated significantly and palliative care was initiated with family agreement. The coroner identified no concerns regarding his clinical management, noting his daughter was well-informed and actively involved in treatment decisions including end-of-life care planning.