Coroner hits ‘farcical’ care

A CORONER has described as “farcical” the medical treatment of a Devonport man who died after his stroke was misdiagnosed.

Delivering the findings of an inquiry into Darryl Morris’s death, Coroner Rod Chandler said some changes had been introduced since the 41-yearold died at the Royal Hobart Hospital in September 2012 to improve co-ordination in the Tasmanian hospital system.

“I am satisfied that if Mr Morris had been promptly diagnosed and transferred to the stroke unit that there was a real likelihood he could have been successfully treated and made a functional recovery. ”

Mr Morris was first admitted to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie. After four days he was transferred to Hobart but died the next day.

Mr Chandler said the consultant responsible for Mr Morris’s care should have re- alised at the time of his ward round that his patient had suffered a stroke.

“At that time Mr Morris should have been transferred to the RHH’s stroke unit as that facility was best equipped to treat his condition and maximise his prospects of recovery,” Mr Chandler said.

“Instead it was determined that further investigation was required — notably an MRI.”

That procedure was performed at the Launceston General Hospital.

“It demonstrates an indifference to Mr Morris’s care and elements of serious farce.

“Two features require highlighting. The first is a decision by staff at the LGH to permit Mr Morris to be returned to the NWRH without first discussing the MRI findings with his clinicians.

“The second farcical element concerns the picture archive communication system.

“The evidence shows that although this system was in place in May 2012, the medical and nursing staff involved in Mr Morris’s care were either unaware or did not know how to access it.”

Mr Chandler said those treating Mr Morris did not become aware of the MRI findings until another doctor became involved in his care.

He was then transferred to the RHH.

“The evidence satisfies me that by this time the deterioration in Mr Morris’s condition made his transfer futile,” Mr Chandler said.