Mandatory inquest for Top End toddler who died with flu-like symptoms at Palmerston Hospital

A Territory toddler who died in Palmerston Hospital after suffering flu-like symptoms will be subject to a mandatory death in care inquest.

The young boy, who the NT News has chosen not to name without his family’s consent, passed away in Palmerston Hospital after being admitted with flu-like symptoms. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The brief and tragic life of a three-year-old boy will be explored by the Territory’s coroner as part of a mandatory death in care inquest.

On Thursday, Coroner Elisabeth Armitage heard an investigation into the passing of a three-year-old toddler on June 6, 2024 was ongoing.

The young boy, who the NT News has chosen not to name without his family’s consent, died in Palmerston Hospital after being admitted with flu-like symptoms.

Counsel assisting the coroner Chrissy McConnel said the Top End toddler faced “significant issues from the outset” of his short life.

Ms McConnell said he was born extremely prematurely around 24 to 25 weeks — rather than a full term of 37 weeks.

The Top End toddler was born extremely prematurely at around 24 to 25 weeks — rather than a full term of 37 weeks. Picture: Supplied

She said he suffered serious health complications, including global developmental delay and cerebral palsy.

Ms McConnel said the child was taken into care when he was just three-months old.

She told Ms Armitage that only a few days before his death, his foster carer noticed flu-like symptoms and made a telehealth appointment for the toddler.

Ms McConnel said the carer was advised to treat it with paracetamol.

“When (he) didn’t improve, she took him to the Palmerston Hospital in the early hours of the morning,” she said.

“He was admitted but shortly after he reportedly went into respiratory arrest and was unable to be resuscitated.”

Ms Armitage heard the boy’s family in Lajamanu had been contacted about the investigation into their child’s inquest.