Inquest into the death of Bruce Thomas

69y · Male·Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer on a background of dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension

Bruce Thomas, a 69-year-old man serving a custodial sentence, died of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with concurrent dilated cardiomyopathy, COPD, and hypertension. Lung masses were discovered in May 2015 during admission for fainting episodes. Stage 3 cancer was confirmed in September 2015 and deemed untreatable given his comorbidities; he received palliative care. Following pacemaker infection in November 2015, cancer metastasized to the brain causing seizures. A comfort-care-only resuscitation plan was implemented in December 2015, complying with NSW Health end-of-life policies. The coroner found care was appropriate, no third-party involvement occurred, and nothing could reasonably have prevented his death given his age, comorbidities, and rapid deterioration.