A South Australian coroner has made a string of recommendations to health providers after the death of an elderly Beachport man from legionella-caused pneumonia. Edward Mayell went to his Beachport GP in September 2014, complaining of lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss. The 83-year-old returned to his doctor on two more occasions, before being transferred to Millicent Hospital, Mount Gambier Hospital and later the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, where he died on October 5, 2014. The findings of an inquest handed down by deputy state coroner Anthony Schapel found Mr Mayell’s death was from natural causes, but also found that urgent medical information had not been shared between the multiple service providers and practitioners who had treated Mr Mayell. Eight recommendations will be brought to the attention of local, state and national medical service providers and entities following the coroner’s report.
