‘Our hearts are heavy’: Toddler girl dies at NT childcare centre

Police are investigating after a two-year-old died in hospital two days after a “serious medical incident” at a rural centre outside Darwin last Thursday.

Pilar Grace

less than 2 min read

September 5, 2023 - 2:56PM

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A two-year-old girl has died following a “serious medical incident” at a Humpty Doo childcare centre last Thursday.

Emergency services attended the rural centre, just outside Darwin and immediately rushed the little girl to hospital.

“The patient was transported to Royal Darin Hospital in a critical condition,” a St John NT spokesperson told NT News.

Tragically doctors weren’t able to save her. The toddler died on Saturday in hospital.

In a message to parents obtained by NT News, the centre assured families that “there is no identifiable risk to any children in the service”.

“We want to reassure families that the safety of their children is always our highest priority,” the message, sent out on Thursday, read.

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The two-year-old died after a serious medical incident at a rural child care centre outside Darwin. Photo: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Two-year-old girl dies following medical incident at NT childcare centre

The childcare centre sent an update to parents on Monday, confirming the girl had “tragically passed away over the weekend”.

“Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time,” the message read.

According to the centre, while the incident was under investigation, they could not comment on the incident.

The centre remains in operation.

A mum whose child attends the centre said she was disappointed the childcare hadn’t communicated more clearly.

“When you had over your child to a childcare centre, you’re trusting them with their life,” the mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, said. “The last thing you imagine is getting a call that your baby isn’t coming home.”

More to come.