Kenneth Toll, 62, dies after knee surgery in NSW hospital

Kenneth Toll, a 62-year-old diabetic, was found deceased in a private hospital bathroom in New South Wales three days post knee surgery. His family discovered him lying on the floor, having collapsed after a shower. A coronial inquest was held to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, focusing on the adequacy of his post-operative care. During the inquest, it was revealed that Toll experienced episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, which raised concerns about his heart health. Expert testimony suggested that he should have been referred to a cardiologist for further assessment. The orthopaedic surgeon involved in Toll's care acknowledged that he would typically refer a patient experiencing such symptoms to a cardiologist but could not confirm if this was done. The cardiologist, Dr. Jan du Plooy, testified that he was never formally referred to Toll and had no record of him as a patient. The inquest highlighted a potential failure in communication and care protocols within the hospital. Family members expressed their devastation over the circumstances of Toll's death and the lack of timely medical intervention. They attended the inquest to seek answers and advocate for changes in hospital procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The emotional toll on the family was compounded by the public nature of Toll's death, with reports of neighbors discussing the incident. Ultimately, the family hopes that the inquest will lead to improvements in patient safety and care standards, ensuring that no other family has to endure such a painful experience.