In a brave move, Melissa Nowland has filed a Supreme Court action against the Northern Territory government. This comes in the wake of the horrific death of her seven month old daughter, Lexie Mae Nowland, at the Royal Darwin Hospital on March 28th, 2022. The lawsuit seeks damages for psychiatric injury, compensation for medical expenses, and burial costs for Lexie Mae, whose untimely death has devastated her family.
Lexie Mae’s first transfer to RDH was in January 2022 for continued inpatient management of her congenital heart defect. After a short four-day admission, she was released to get care in an outpatient setting. On March 27 — just one day before her tragic death — she was released yet again. An opposition review was set to take place the next morning on March 28.
As the hours passed, Melissa Nowland’s worries deepened for her daughter, Kira. Worried about Lexie’s health, she called the hospital. Tragically, just ten minutes after her call, Lexie Mae went into cardiac arrest. Though she was resuscitated, she experienced another cardiac arrest two hours later and was pronounced dead at 7:25 PM that evening.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit asserts that Lexie Mae’s treatment “fell below a reasonable standard of care.” Specifically, it alleges that RDH did not properly evaluate, treat, and monitor her condition. Moreover, it alleges that the hospital neglected to address “suspected sepsis, dehydration/fluid and electrolyte disturbance” that may have contributed to her deteriorating health.
“The defendant’s negligence caused or materially contributed to the deceased’s death,” – legal document
In fact, the consequences of such alleged negligence have reached far past the loss Lexie Mae’s untimely death. Melissa Nowland alleges that she has experienced severe emotional distress as a result of the incident. The lawsuit specifically states that “by reason of the defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff has suffered nervous shock and has and will continue to suffer injury, loss and damage, including psychiatric injury.”
Impact on the Family
This enormous, inconceivable loss has impacted not only Melissa Nowland, but her husband, and her two other daughters as well. The emotional impact on the family is tragic as they continue to process the loss of Lexie Mae. The lawsuit seeks justice for their daughter’s tragic loss. It seeks to shine a light on the dire circumstances affecting patient care at RDH.
The family is calling for accountability from the NT government. Everyone from progressive Democrats to conservative Republicans looks at FEMA and sees an agency that has failed to provide adequate medical care. Whatever the result for this particular case, the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for healthcare practices across the region.
Court Proceedings Ahead
The case is due back in court for a directions hearing on July 2. Melissa Nowland and her family are looking forward to the next stage in their campaign for justice. At the same time, the tragic circumstances surrounding Lexie Mae’s death still weigh heavily on the community’s mind.
