For more than a year, the family of Ricky Hampson Jr who died after being discharged from hospital have called for justice.
Today, the New South Wales Coroner announced an inquest into his passing.
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Dubbo death sparks calls for change
In August of 2021, Ricky Hampson Jr known to his loved ones as ‘Dougie’ presented to Dubbo Base Hospital with severe stomach pain.
A pain he described as “popping” or “tearing” which was later identified as perforated duodenal ulcers.
Hospital staff sedated and issued painkillers to the 36-year-old. He was discharged 19 hours after arriving, with no formal diagnosis.
The family said no senior medical officer ever examined Dougie, nor were any x-rays or scans being done.
In the early hours of the following morning, he passed away.
Kamilaroi Dunghutti man Ricky "Dougie" Hampson, who died in August last year, less than 24 hours after being discharged from Dubbo Hospital. Source: NITV The Point
'This is just the first step'
Speaking at NSW Parliament today, Dougie's father Ricky Hampson Snr said that had his son received "proper treatment", he would have survived.
The family has been pushing for a coronial inquest into Dougie's death since his passing.
Today's announcement has given them a "sense of relief".
"For us, a weight has been lifted. But this is just the first step, nothing will bring our son back," said Mr Hampson.
The prospect of an inquest brings hope that some of the many questions they have about Dougie's treatment will be answered.
“We hope the inquest will reveal what lead to our son being denied the diagnosis and treatment he deserved at hospital, and why he was treated with bias," said Mr Hampson.
"This inquest is desperately needed not just to give our family the answers we deserve, but to make change in the country's health system. So many of our people continue to die from avoidable deaths, and no one has ever been held accountable.
"Enough is enough. This needs to change . . . We are all asking for accountability for the mistreatment of our son here for changing the health system towards First Nations people in this country. So we can all feel safe in seeking medical help.”
While Mr Hampson said the inquest was about systemic change, the family also wants to see individuals who contributed to the loss of their loved one held accountable.
“We want somebody to be held accountable. We keep blaming the hospital. But it's the individuals in these institutions that need to be looked at. They're the ones making these biased decisions.”
The family of Ricky 'Dougie' Hampson gathered at NSW Parliament to respond to the news of a coronial inquest. Source: Bronte Charles
13,500 signatures of support
While welcoming the news from the coroner, the family also delivered a petition of 13,500 signatures all in support of the family's calls for an inquest.
"Thirteen and a half thousand people say we need this justice as well," said Mr Hampson.
NSW Greens MP, Sue Higginson accepted the petition on behalf of the Parliament.
Speaking to media alongside the family, Ms Higginson noted a report tabled in the NSW Upper House in May of 2022 that "identified significant problems we have with the rural, regional and remote health system in NSW".
A chapter of the report was dedicated to the "failings of that system directly to First Nations people".
“It's well and truly evidence that we have a system that is prejudicial and racist and is not fit for purpose when it comes to serving First Nations people across New South Wales," she said.
"It's time to put an end to this. We need to take the action and the steps immediately so that we can start to stop this from happening so we can close the gap and so First Nations people can get the health services and feel safe in the system that we provide."
The family presented a petition to Parliament that continued calls for justice. Source: NITV The Point
