Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the image and name of a Kamilaroi/Dunghutti man who has passed away.
The National Justice Project has welcomed NSW Health’s formal response to wide-ranging recommendations made by a coronial inquest into the death of Ricky ‘Dougie’ Hampson in 2021.
NSW Deputy State Coroner Magistrate Erin Kennedy called for NSW Health to amend a state-wide policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients when she handed down her findings in August 2024. She found the 36-year-old Kamilaroi/Dunghutti father of eight died in agony from perforated stomach ulcers after being misdiagnosed and discharged without any scans or further review by senior doctors.
Coroner Kennedy said Dougie’s death was preventable and referred his treating doctor to the Heath Care Complaints Commission for investigation and review over their conduct. She also made recommendations for improvements in cultural safety training at Dubbo Base Hospital and across the Western NSW Local Health District.
NSW Health has responded with commitments to improve cultural training and early identification of Indigenous status of patients.
National Justice Project Senior Solicitor Karina Hawtrey said these commitments showed the significant impact Dougie’s death and his family’s campaigning will have on the healthcare system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across the state.
“The inquest found Dougie’s death was preventable with the Coroner noting his case should help drive cultural safety, recognition and improvement in the healthcare system,” she said.
“This response is just the start of the systemic change needed and recognition of the family’s ongoing efforts to seek justice and accountability.
“The introduction of state-wide policy and updated training by NSW Health is an important step towards improving the treatment of First Nations patients and involving their communities in decision-making about healthcare.”
Media enquires to media@justice.org.au
Media Coverage
- NSW Health supports recommendations from Ricky Hampson inquest
ABC News, 7 March 2025
