Inquest into the death of Robert Sievers

81y · Male·COVID-19 infection on a background of Type 2 Diabetes and end stage chronic kidney disease

Robert Sievers, an 81-year-old man incarcerated since 2001, died from COVID-19 infection on a background of type 2 diabetes and end-stage chronic kidney disease. Despite multiple warnings about vaccination, Sievers refused COVID-19 vaccination, stating he saw no point in prolonging his incarceration. He contracted COVID-19 on 1 May 2023 and declined transfer from Kevin Waller Unit to the Medical Sub-acute Unit. Over subsequent days his condition deteriorated with multiple falls and non-compliance with insulin. On 10 May he finally agreed to transfer to ACRU where he was assessed as terminal, transitioned to palliative care with appropriate comfort measures including morphine and midazolam, and died peacefully on 12 May with excellent end-of-life care provided. The coroner found his final care appropriate and made no critical findings regarding medical management.