Inquest into the Death of Benedict Chifley David CANDY

66y · Male·bronchopneumonia in a man with invasive sarcoma-like tumour of the head, with terminal palliative medical care

Benedict Chifley David Candy, a 66-year-old sentenced prisoner, died from bronchopneumonia complicating invasive sarcoma-like tumour of the head with terminal palliative care. He had a recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma that had been surgically removed in 2014. After surgery, Mr Candy adamantly refused recommended chemotherapy and radiotherapy despite clear warnings of recurrence risk. The tumour recurred in 2017 as predicted. Mr Candy consistently declined further treatment, choosing palliative care only. He was appropriately transferred to Bethesda Hospice when death became imminent and received appropriate end-of-life care. The coroner found the healthcare provided was appropriate and of good standard, despite Mr Candy's repeated informed refusals of curative treatment. This case illustrates the tension between respecting patient autonomy in treatment refusal and the clinical frustration when patients decline proven beneficial interventions.