Darwin, Northern Territory – The Northern Territory coroner has determined that the death of a 37-year-old Aboriginal man, Mr. Dooley, in 2022 was avoidable. The findings revealed a series of oversights in his care that contributed to his passing while in police custody. Mr. Dooley, a Maiyali man from Eva Valley, died in palliative care at Royal Darwin Hospital after suffering a heart attack.
NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage emphasized the “serious and significant shortcomings” in Mr. Dooley’s care that led to his death. The investigation uncovered missed opportunities in referring Mr. Dooley to a cardiologist, which could have potentially saved his life.
Health professionals at the prison neglected to refer Mr. Dooley to a cardiologist despite abnormal electrocardiogram results in both 2019 and 2022. Cardiologist Kenneth Hossack highlighted that a referral earlier in 2019 could have detected heart issues that ultimately led to Mr. Dooley’s demise.
On September 25, 2022, Mr. Dooley reported feeling unwell and experiencing severe symptoms, but the response from the medical staff was inadequate. NT Health recognized the missed opportunities and acknowledged that Mr. Dooley’s deteriorating condition should have prompted immediate action.
Judge Armitage’s investigation uncovered a disturbing lack of response and proper care for Mr. Dooley, citing “repeated and likely systemic failings” by health professionals. The failure to refer Mr. Dooley to a cardiologist and the delays in providing necessary care were deemed crucial factors contributing to his tragic death.
NT Corrections and NT Police also faced criticism for their handling of Mr. Dooley’s case. Failures in reporting procedures, preservation of evidence, and delays in obtaining statements raised concerns about the accountability and oversight within these institutions.
In response to the findings, Judge Armitage issued a series of recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. These recommendations include establishing guidelines for proper ECG management, improving access to interpreters and Aboriginal health workers for families dealing with deaths in custody, ensuring immediate medical attention for prisoners with health complaints, and enhancing guidance for investigating deaths in custody. These reforms are crucial steps towards preventing future incidents like the avoidable death of Mr. Dooley.