Deceased
Francis John Willcox
Demographics
81y, male
Coroner
Deputy State Coroner Iain West
Date of death
2008-06-24
Finding date
2009-12-01
Cause of death
myelodysplasia in an elderly man with dementia
AI-generated summary
Francis Willcox, an 81-year-old man with dementia and myelodysplasia, was admitted to Peter James Centre on 16 June 2008 as an involuntary patient following behavioural difficulties. Over the following week, his physical condition rapidly deteriorated with progressive refusal of food and increasing confusion. A not-for-resuscitation order was implemented. He died on 24 June 2008. The coroner found no evidence of improper treatment. Clinical lessons include recognising the complexity of managing elderly patients with dementia in acute settings, the importance of appropriate palliative care planning, and ensuring adequate nutritional support and monitoring during mental health admissions. Early involvement of geriatric and palliative care specialists, and consideration of underlying medical conditions such as myelodysplasia, may have optimised management.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Rule 60(1)
Court Reference: 2696 / 08
Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008
Inquest into the Death of Francis John Willcox
Delivered On: Delivered At: Hearing Dates: Findings of:
Place of death/Suspected death:
1* December, 2009 Melbourne
1" December, 2009
Deputy State Coroncr West
24" Tune, 2008 S/C K. Ramsey
Page | of 4 Version 2 as at 25 November 2009
Court Reference: 2696 / 08
FORM 37 Rule 60(1)
Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008
In the Coroners Court of Victoria at Melbourne
I, Deputy State Coroner having investigated the death of:
Details of deceased:
Surname: Willcox
First name: Francis
AND having held an inquest in relation to this death on 1" December, 2009 at Melbourne find that the identity of the deceased was Francis John Willcox and the death occurred on 24" June, 2008 at Peter James Centre, 321 Burwood Highway, Forest Hill from: 1(a) myelodysplasia in an elderly man with dementia
the following circumstances:
Francis Willcox, aged 81 years, had a history of dementia, having exhibited symptoms since approximately 2003 and a history of myelodysplasia, which had possibly progressed to leukaemia. At the time of his death, Mr Willcox was married, with he and his wife having three adult children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition, at the time of death he was a person held in care within the meaning of the Coroners Act 2008.
Following episodes of ill health in early 2008, Mr Willcox was admitted to Cabrini Hospital for treatment and management, and after which he was transferred to the Albert Road Clinic on the 2™ June, 2008. Progressively worse behavioural problems made management difficult and resulted in Mr Willcox being admitted to the Peter James Centre on the 16" June; as an involuntary patient. Over the next week, Mr Willcox’s physical condition rapidly deteriorated, as he continually refused food and became more and more
Page 2 of 4 Version 2 as at 25 November 2009
confused. As his illness progressed a not for resuscitation order was put in place and in the early afternoon of the 24" June, Mr Willcox passed away with family members in attendance.
Date: 1 December, 2009.
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