Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Death of Maris KUGIS

Inquest into the Death of Maris KUGIS

Delivered on :4 April 2019

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Deputy State Coroner Vicker

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : The deceased at the time of his death had been a long term involuntary inpatient of Graylands Hospital due to his multiple medical and mental health issues. The deceased’s welfare was supervised through the Public Advocate and his finances managed by the Public Trustee as ordered on 25 January 2012. The deceased’s continuing involuntary status under the Mental Health Act was reviewed three monthly. He was assessed as never being able to live in the community and was unsuited to aged care living. The deceased remained in the care of the Graylands Hospital until his death. He was 68 years of age.

In September 2016 the deceased was admitted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as a result of his seriously declining health with increasing shortness of breath and persistently low oxygen saturations. He was diagnosed with acute on chronic type 2 respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive airway disease, congestive cardiac failure and malignant pleural effusion. He was discharged back to Graylands Hospital with a plan for follow up and the probability he would require palliative care in the future. Within hours of the deceased returning to Graylands Hospital his oxygen saturation dropped to less than 80% on room air and he was returned to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Following discussions with the deceased’s relevant carers it was determined he should be treated palliatively and he died on 10 September 2016.

The Deputy State Coroner was satisfied the deceased died as the result of bronchopneumonia in a man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and found death occurred by way of natural causes.

The Deputy State Coroner was satisfied with the supervision, treatment and care of the deceased while an involuntary patient under the care of Graylands Hospital which was reasonable and appropriate.

Catch Words : Management of Mental Health : Management of Physical Health : Long Term Involuntary Patient : Natural Causes


Last updated: 30-Apr-2019

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