Ricky “Dougie” Hampson Junior: Coroner inquest date revealed for Aboriginal man’s hospital death

The NSW Coroner has revealed the date of the inquest into the death of an Aboriginal man after he was misdiagnosed at a hospital in the state’s west.

Family and friends rallying together in front of the Dubbo Base Hospital after Kamilaroi-Dunghutti man Ricky "Dougie" Hampson Junior death.

The NSW Coroner has revealed the date of the inquest into the death of an Aboriginal man after he was misdiagnosed at a hospital in the state’s west.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the name and image of a deceased Indigenous person.

Kamilaroi-Dunghutti man Ricky “Dougie” Hampson Junior, 36, died of perforated ulcers after being discharged from Dubbo Base Hospital in August, 2021.

His father Ricky Hampson has revealed that almost two years since his son’s death an inquest will commence on February 26, 2024.

“We’re emotional but we want answers,” Mr Hampson told The Dubbo News.

Kamilaroi-Dunghutti man Ricky "Dougie" Hampson Junior.

“We definitely want changes about how Aboriginal people are treated in the health system and hopefully, depending on the evidence in the inquest, we get a bit of justice reform as well.”

The father of eight was misdiagnosed with Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome - a rare disease relying on the dependance of marijuana.

Mr Hampson said his son was at the hospital for 19 hours with severe stomach pains without proper treatment or further scanning.

“They sedated him, so he had no chance of explaining what was wrong or what he thought was going on,” he said.

Rick Hampson Snr with Dougie’s nephew Tatum rallying in front of the Dubbo Base Hospital.

Mr Hampson said his son was discharged on August 15 and was found dead the next morning.

“It’s a relief, we’ve been waiting and waiting - now that we’ve got a date, we’re looking forward to the truth coming out,” he said.

“I want some changes made and some justice for him - everyone is pretty emotional at the moment but it’s what we’ve been fighting for and now we’ve got it.”

More to come.