Inquest into the death of Ivan ALLWOOD

61y · Male·Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma

Ivan Allwood, a 61-year-old man with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (tongue base cancer with spread to lung and heart), died of natural causes while in custody at Long Bay Hospital. He had been diagnosed with throat cancer in July 2018, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and had a PEG tube inserted. After arrest in November 2018, he was remanded and remained in custody where Justice Health coordinated his care. A PET-CT scan in January 2019 showed metastatic disease with poor prognosis (3-6 months life expectancy). He was transferred to Long Bay Hospital in January 2019 for palliative care. He died peacefully during a routine gastrostomy feed. The coroner found his care and treatment were appropriate and adequate throughout his custody. No clinical errors or preventability issues were identified.