An inquest into the deaths of three First Nations people who died from complications associated with a preventable disease will travel to their remote community in north-west Queensland so family members can give evidence on Country.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images of people who have died
Yvette, 18, Ms Sandy, 37, and Kaya, 17, all had rheumatic heart disease and died after presenting for medical treatment on separate occasions in 2019 and 2020.
The first day of the inquest in July will take place in their hometown of Doomadgee, 470km north from Mount Isa.
A pre-inquest hearing in Cairns on Friday heard that the adequacy of Gidgee Healing and Doomadgee Hospital's services and care, particularly in the months before their deaths, would form part of the inquest's central scope.
The coroner will also investigate whether there was a delay in transferring Kaya to the Queensland Children's Hospital for surgery and the adequacy of her care once there in September 2020.
The inquest will also examine efforts to screen for rheumatic heart disease, public health information initiatives, and the prevention and follow-up care services for those living with the condition in Doomadgee.
A 'shocking fact'
Rheumatic heart disease disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is associated with poor access to health services and overcrowded living conditions.
It can develop in people repeatedly infected with streptococcal A, which causes a condition called acute rheumatic fever, damaging heart valves.
Coroner Nerida Wilson said it was "a shocking fact" that First Nations people were "one of the most vulnerable populations on earth".
She paid tribute to the families participating in the inquest after witnessing the illness and medical treatment of their loved ones and while grieving their deaths.
"Let us now together in this inquest examine health models that prioritise the cultural and historical context of our First Nations people," Coroner Wilson said.
After sitting in Doomadgee on July 18, the remainder of the seven-day inquest will take place in Cairns.
Medical staff, involved in treating the women will give evidence, including cardiologists along with other health workers and administrators.
The deceased were referred to during the pre-inquest hearing using preferred names indicated by their families.
