Deceased
Laurence Wayne Allen
Demographics
66y, male
Coroner
Coroner Dr Jane Hendtlass
Date of death
2008-03-17
Finding date
2012-02-27
Cause of death
Aspiration pneumonia in the setting of acute myocardial infarction in a man with dialysis dependent end stage renal failure
AI-generated summary
Laurence Allen, a 66-year-old man with quadraplegia, end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis, and cardiac disease, died of aspiration pneumonia following acute myocardial infarction. He was an inmate at Port Phillip Prison with multiple comorbidities. After initial hospitalization in February 2008 for acute MI and atrial fibrillation, he was discharged back to prison. He was readmitted when his condition deteriorated, and a brain tumour was subsequently diagnosed. When aspiration pneumonia developed in March, he refused antibiotics and active treatment was withdrawn. The case highlights challenges in managing complex medical conditions in custodial settings and the importance of appropriate monitoring and intervention in patients with multiple comorbidities and reduced mobility.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
FORM 37 Rule 60(1)
FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008 Court reference: 1118/08
Inquest into the Death of LAURENCE WAYNE ALLEN.
Delivered On: 27 February 2012 Delivered At: Melbourne
Hearing Dates: 27 February 2012 Findings of: ~ - JANE HENDTLASS Representation: L/S/C Tania Christiano
Place of death/Suspected death: St Vincent’s Hospital
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FORM 37 Rule 60(1)
FINDING INTO DEATH WITH INQUEST Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008 Court reference: 1118/08
In the Coroners Court of Victoria at Melbourne I, JANE HENDTLASS, Coroner
having investigated the death of:
Details of deceased: Surname: ALLEN First name: LAURENCE Address: - Port Phillip Prison, Laverton Victoria 3028
AND having held an inquest in relation to this death on 27 February 2012 at Melbourne find that the identity of the deceased was LAURENCE WAYNE ALLEN and death occurred’on 17 March 2008
at St Vincent’s Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065
from
la. ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA IN THE SETTING OF ACUTE
in the following circumstances:
1, Laurence Allen was 66 years old when he died. He lived at Port Phillip Prison. His partner
was Pam Barmer. Mr Allen’s medical history included quadraplegia arising from a motor
vehicle collision in 1959, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiac arrhythmia, hearing deficit,
osteoarthritis in the left foot and end stage renal failure requiring dialysis at the Austin Hospital
and, more recently, the St Vincents Hospital three times a week.
period of seven years for trafficking a commercial quantity of ecstacy. He was placed in the St
John Unit at Port Phillip Prison due to his disabilities,
Phillip Prison.
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tumour.
On 8 March 2008, Mr Allen developed aspiration pneumonia but refused antibiotics. On 13 March, active treatment was withdrawn.
At 4.40am on 17 March 2008, Laurence Allen died.
The forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy formed the opinion that the cause of death is aspiration pneumonia in a setting of acute myocardial infarction in a man with dialysis dependent end stage chronic renal failure secondary to nephropathy. : ,
Accordingly, I find that Laurence Allen died of aspiration pneumonia in a setting of acute
myocardial infarction in a man with dialysis dependent end stage chronic renal failure secondary to nephropathy.
Signature:
Dr Janelendtlass Corone 27 February 2012
3 of 3
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