Video above: What role did race play at the hospital where these Indigenous women were treated?
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the video above contains images of deceased persons.
The childhood friend of a pregnant woman who died after being discharged from hospital is amazed that "implicit bias" has been officially acknowledged as a factor contributing to her death.
The inquest examined the death of pregnant 27-year-old Naomi Williams, who died in 2016 after she was given two Panadol and monitored for just over half an hour at Tumut Hospital in NSW, before being sent home.
A coronial inquest has recommended that Murrumbidgee Local Health District, which includes Tumut Hospital, audit the possibility of "implicit bias" in the treatment of Indigenous patients compared to non-Indigenous patients.
Childhood friend Talea Bulger said it has been a bittersweet day for those close to the young woman.
"We are sad and happy that this part of the journey is over," she told The Feed.
Ms Bulger is hopeful the inquest findings will create change in her local community, which recommends establishing targets for the proportionate representation of Indigenous people on on the Local Health Advisory Committee and Murrumbidgee Local Health District Board.
Ms Bulger said it was a relief for the family that the inquest recognised the impact of bias and race on the medical treatment of Ms Williams.
"We were amazed the judge put that down in her findings. I think it means something a lot bigger than we realise," she said.
Fingers crossed this helps people Australia-wide, not just Aboriginal people but all Australian people.
"A lot of people tend to think [racism] is an excuse we all jump to, but there was a bias that affected Naomi's life."
"This is huge."
Ms Bulger said that people should speak up for the care they deserve.
"Naomi tried to speak up but unfortunately she wasn't listened to. But if everybody just keeps this case and Naomi's memory in mind then hopefully this won't happen to any other family."
The findings of the coronial inquest, released on Monday, found Ms Williams should have received further medical treatment on the morning of her death and that a lack of treatment during her earlier visits likely led to her reduced care. Ms Williams was six months pregnant and it was her 18th visit to the hospital in the past eight months.
The coroner said on the face of the evidence, the number of times Ms Williams had presented to the hospital without being referred to a specialist was "deeply troubling".
"It is important that we are all recognised and listened to," said Ms Bulger.
"Everyone deserves care, no matter who they are and where they come from."
