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 is gearing up for a major inquest into the death of Ricky “Dougie” Hampson, a proud Kamilaroi/Dunghutti father of eight children, who died in agony after being discharged from Dubbo Hospital.
During the 18 hours that Dougie was in hospital, he was misdiagnosed, dismissed and discharged without any scans or review by senior doctors. His family believes that prejudice influenced his treatment in his last hours.
Together with his parents, and with their permission, we’ll be sharing more about the inquest into the death of Rick “Dougie” Hampson in coming weeks.
The inquest starts on 26 February in Dubbo, and our legal team will be standing alongside the Hampson family to support them in their fight for accountability.
RACISM IN HEALTH CARE DISPROPORTIONATELY HURTS FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES
Racism in health care can take many forms, from being dismissed and not receiving proper medical treatment, being turned away from healthcare services, not receiving culturally safe care, being racially profiled and having false assumptions made about you.
Racism is a contributor to the shocking fact that First Nations Australians are three times more likely to die from a preventable illness than non-Indigenous Australians.
That’s why the National Justice Project is tackling discrimination in healthcare as one of our priority areas.
We have run over 20 legal cases fighting discriminatory healthcare for First Nations people, refugees and people in prisons.
Hear from our client Ricky Hampson Snr, Dougie’s father, about how this inquest is calling for an end to racial discrimination in healthcare.
To stay updated on the progression of this important inquest, subscribe to the National Justice Project’s mailing list.