Inquest into the death of Thomas MILLAR

53y · Male·Complications of metastatic rectal cancer

Thomas Millar, a 53-year-old man in custody, died from complications of metastatic rectal cancer with liver failure. He had been diagnosed with advanced cancer in 2015 with a poor prognosis and underwent chemotherapy while in Long Bay Correctional Centre. By April 2018, his disease had progressed significantly with liver failure and malignant ascites, prompting transition to palliative care with a life expectancy of 2-4 weeks. He was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital and died there on 13 May 2018. The coroner found his care and treatment while in custody were appropriate, with no evidence of preventable factors. His wishes regarding resuscitation were documented and respected. The case demonstrates appropriate palliative care management in a custodial setting with adequate communication between prison and hospital services.