Inquest into the death of Baby S

0y · Female·Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy complicating cardiac arrest as a consequence of respiratory viral infection and pneumonia

A 7-month-old Aboriginal female, Baby S, died from hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy caused by respiratory viral infection and pneumonia with cardiac arrest. She was in care of Territory Families after removal from her mother, Ms Charra, due to concerns about substance abuse, domestic violence, and neglect. Baby S was placed with qualified family day carers, Mr and Mrs MS, via ASFDC. She was found unresponsive in her cot 15 days into placement. The coroner found the carers provided appropriate, loving care with no failings. The autopsy revealed enterovirus/rhinovirus, pneumonia, and sinusitis; minimal clinical signs were present. While the makeshift mattress arrangement was not ideal, medical evidence clearly established natural death from viral respiratory illness, not suffocation or negligence. Territory Families' support efforts to help Ms Charra retain Baby S were appropriate. The coroner commended proactive reviews by Territory Families and ASFDC but made no recommendations.