Finding into death of Brian Kevin Scurrah

75y · Male·Complications of multiple myeloma (palliated)

Brian Kevin Scurrah, a 75-year-old man with intellectual disability living in a supported residential service, died from complications of multiple myeloma. He was diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma in June 2021 following presentation with suspected bowel obstruction. After discussions with cancer specialists, his family chose palliative care over surgery and chemotherapy, given the poor prognosis and significant morbidity associated with invasive treatment. He received palliative care at his residential facility administered by Eastern Palliative Care until his death in August 2021. The coroner found no issues with the clinical management or the decision to pursue palliative care, which was appropriate given his advanced disease and poor functional status. The case highlights the importance of shared decision-making in advanced malignancy, particularly when discussing realistic prognoses and potential harms of aggressive interventions.