Coronial
VIChospital

Finding into death of WM

Deceased

WM

Demographics

77y, male

Coroner

Coroner Caitlin English

Date of death

2016-11-09

Cause of death

Respiratory arrest in the setting of metastatic malignancy

AI-generated summary

An elderly man with metastatic malignancy died from respiratory arrest in hospital. The coroner found the death resulted from his underlying advanced cancer rather than medical mismanagement. No autopsy was performed, but the clinical course and documentation supported the cause of death. Clinical lessons focus on ensuring appropriate end-of-life discussions, clear documentation of resuscitation status, and palliative care coordination in advanced malignancy. The case highlights the importance of early advance care planning and clear communication with patients and families about disease trajectory and realistic outcomes in metastatic disease.

AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

oncologypalliative carerespiratory medicine

Contributing factors

  • advanced metastatic cancer
  • respiratory compromise
Full text

IN THE CORONERS COURT Court Reference: COR 2016 5331

OF VICTORIA AT MELBOURNE FINDING INTO DEATH WITHOUT INQUEST Form 38 Rule 60(2) Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008 Findings of: Caitlin English, Coroner Dec�ased: WM Date of birth: 1939 Date of death: 9 November 2016 Cause of death: I(a) Respiratory an-e�t m the setting of metastatic malignancy Place of death: St Vincent's Hospital 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria

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