Darwin, Northern Territory – The recent findings by NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage shed light on the death of a 37-year-old Aboriginal man known as Mr. Dooley, who tragically passed away in police custody in 2022. The coroner’s report revealed that Mr. Dooley’s death was preventable and resulted from a series of oversights in his care.
Mr. Dooley, a Maiyali man from Eva Valley, a small community in the Northern Territory, died in palliative care at Royal Darwin Hospital in October 2022 following a heart attack. NT Health acknowledged the presence of “serious and significant shortcomings” in Mr. Dooley’s care that ultimately contributed to his untimely death. NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage delivered her findings on the tragic incident, prompting a call for significant reforms within NT Health, NT Corrections, and the NT Police Force.
Judge Armitage’s investigation revealed lapses in Mr. Dooley’s medical care, particularly in the failure to refer him to a cardiologist despite abnormal ECG results in 2019 and 2022. Cardiologist Kenneth Hossack testified that early intervention could have potentially saved Mr. Dooley’s life had he been seen by a specialist. The inquest further exposed inadequate responses to Mr. Dooley’s deteriorating health condition, including delays in seeking medical attention despite alarming symptoms.
The coroner’s report highlighted systemic failings by health professionals and emphasized the critical need for improved protocols in responding to medical emergencies in custody. Serious concerns were raised about the lack of timely medical intervention and the failure to follow proper procedures in the aftermath of Mr. Dooley’s death. NT Health acknowledged the shortcomings in Mr. Dooley’s care and pledged to address deficiencies in the system.
Judge Armitage’s recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future included establishing guidelines for better ECG management, enhancing access to interpreters and Indigenous health workers, and improving communication channels for inmates with medical issues. The report underscored the importance of thorough investigations into deaths in custody and the preservation of crucial evidence for accountability and transparency.
The findings of Mr. Dooley’s case serve as a poignant reminder of the need for systemic reforms and heightened vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in custody. By addressing the shortcomings revealed in this investigation, authorities can work towards preventing future tragedies and upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals under their care.