Coroner's Finding: Willox, Brian William

MAGISTRATES COURT of TASMANIA

CORONIAL DIVISION Record of Investigation into Death (Without Inquest) Coroners Act 1995 Coroners Rules 2006 Rule 11 I, Duncan Fairley, Coroner, having investigated the death of Brian William Willox Find That: a) The identity of the deceased is Brian William Willox; b) Mr Willox died in the circumstances set out below; c) Mr Willox died as a result of pneumonia that complicated the fracture of the neck of the right femur sustained in a fall from standing; d) Mr Willox died on 17 June 2015 at the Launceston General Hospital Charles Street, Launceston; e) Mr Willox was born in Melbourne, Victoria on 9 September 1933 and was aged 81 years; f) Mr Willox was divorced and a retired Railway Electrical Fitter at the date of his death.

Introduction: In making the above findings I have had regard to the evidence gained during the comprehensive investigation into Mr Willox’s death. The evidence comprises an opinion of a Pathologist who conducted the autopsy; relevant affidavits; medical records and reports; and forensic evidence.

Background: Brian William Willox was born in Melbourne, Victoria on 9 September 1933. He was educated in Victoria and joined the Royal Australian Navy in his teens. After serving in the Navy for 8 years Mr Willox secured an electrical apprenticeship. He married Eileen Airey while still serving with the Navy. There were two daughters from the

union. The marriage did not continue and upon divorce, Mr Willox relocated to Launceston, Tasmania where he worked with the railway until he retired at the age of 63 years.

A review of the available medical records reveals that prior to his death Mr Willox was suffering from multiple chronic health conditions including dementia, ischaemic heart disease, emphysema, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, amongst others. As a result of his age and health-related issues Mr Willox took up residence at the Tyler Village age care facility, Prospect during September 2010.

Circumstances Surrounding the Death: At approximately 4.00am on 14 June 2015 Mr Willox was located by staff at the Tyler Village facility having fallen to the floor. Mr Willox could not recall the details of the fall or when it occurred. He complained of significant groin pain and was transferred to the Launceston General Hospital by Tasmanian Ambulance Service. On 14 June 2015 Mr Willox underwent surgery for treatment of a fracture of the neck of the right femur.

Mr Willox was transferred to ward 5a post-surgery where he received medication for pain management. During the 24-hour period subsequent to surgery it was determined that a pre-existing right sided chest infection had developed into pneumonia. Over the following days Mr Willox’s condition failed to respond to treatment and a palliative approach was adopted. Mr Willox died during the early hours of 17 June 2015.

Comments and Recommendations: In the circumstances there is no need for me to make any further comment or recommendations.

In concluding, I convey my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Willox.

Dated: 25 September 2017 at Launceston Coroners Court in the State of Tasmania.

Duncan Fairley Coroner