NSW Health Backs Recommendations to Boost Indigenous Healthcare

NSW Health has announced its support for the recommendations put forth following an inquest into the tragic death of Ricky “Dougie” Hampson, an Indigenous man who passed away after being misdiagnosed and discharged from Dubbo hospital in 2021. The New South Wales Health Minister, Ryan Park, expressed the government’s backing for the measures aimed at enhancing Aboriginal healthcare.

Ricky Hampson, a 36-year-old Kamilaroi-Dunghutti man, succumbed to two perforated stomach ulcers in August 2021. His death, deemed “totally unnecessary” and “preventable” by Deputy State Coroner Erin Kennedy, prompted the formulation of five recommendations for the Western NSW Local Health District and one for NSW Health.

Minister Park affirmed NSW Health’s dedication to advancing health outcomes for Aboriginal individuals and communities across the state. The response outlined ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring safe, high-quality care for all patients within the NSW Health system.

Following the release of the response, Rick Hampson Snr, Dougie’s father, expressed gratitude for NSW Health’s acknowledgment but highlighted the prolonged anguish his family endured since losing their son. He stressed the importance of tangible changes at Dubbo Base Hospital, urging active involvement of the local Aboriginal community in the implementation of policies and training to prevent similar tragedies.

Although the inquest did not find direct evidence of racial bias contributing to Hampson’s death, Coroner Kennedy underscored the significance of considering Aboriginal identity in healthcare delivery. She recommended establishing a First Nations consultation and advisory group to enhance cultural training within the Western NSW LHD, emphasizing the need for personalized engagement and specialized training to cater to Indigenous patients effectively.

NSW Health has since initiated face-to-face training programs, annual refresher courses, and collaborations with Aboriginal communities to improve healthcare services. The Health Minister highlighted the revision of discharge protocols to ensure thorough documentation, clinical reviews, and senior medical officer oversight before patient discharge.

The National Justice Project, representing the Hampson family, commended NSW Health’s response as a crucial step towards justice, accountability, and systemic reform in healthcare practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The organization stressed the importance of ongoing policy enhancements and training to elevate the treatment of Indigenous individuals and involve their communities in healthcare decision-making processes.

Moving forward, the focus remains on driving systemic changes to prevent similar incidents, with a collective effort from healthcare institutions, policymakers, and communities to foster equitable and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. The tragic loss of Ricky Hampson serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to prioritize Indigenous health and well-being within the broader healthcare landscape.