A mother in Australia is suing a hospital after her infant tragically passed away following a nine-hour wait. Melissa Nowland’s 7-month-old daughter, Lexie Mae Nowland, lost her life in March 2022 due to sepsis meningitis. Melissa is taking legal action against the Northern Territory government and Royal Darwin Hospital upon her daughter’s death. Lexie, who had undergone previous heart surgeries at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, was admitted to the hospital in Northern Territory for management of her congenital heart condition in January 2022. Despite being treated for symptoms like vomiting, fever, and agitation in the emergency department during her readmission in March, Lexie experienced delays in receiving a clinical review by a pediatric consultant. Tragically, she suffered cardiac arrests and ultimately passed away that night. Melissa is now suing the government, alleging negligence in the hospital’s assessment and treatment of Lexie’s condition. The hospital is accused of failing to properly manage her condition, leading to the heartbreaking outcome. The case is currently in legal proceedings, and the hospital has not provided a comment on the matter. Melissa is seeking damages for psychiatric injury, compensation, and burial costs as a result of the hospital’s alleged negligence.
