A man, 36 years old, spent several days in a hospital hallway at Royal University Hospital during the summer receiving treatment for brain swelling due to the lack of available rooms. Kay Roberts, the patient, described the experience as the most frightening medical encounter he had ever faced. Roberts sought medical help at the Saskatoon ER on the morning of August 4 due to confusion and headaches that led to disorientation.
Unexpectedly, Roberts underwent medical procedures, including a plasma replacement that involved inserting a tube into his jugular vein, all conducted in a congested hallway. Despite the challenging conditions, Roberts spent four nights and five days on a stretcher bed, battling cognitive issues and confusion due to his condition.
Roberts’ family recounted their distressing ordeal, highlighting the critical nature of the treatment for encephalitis. They mentioned the challenges faced during the medical procedures, such as moving plasma boxes to accommodate the passage of others in the overcrowded hallway.
Before being transferred to the neurology ward after spending ten days in the ER and temporary overflow areas, Roberts expressed gratitude for the care received from the medical staff. His mother also praised the dedication of the nurses in such a demanding environment, despite the unfavorable circumstances in which the medical care was provided.
The Saskatchewan NDP raised concerns about the situation, with NDP Health Critic Keith Jorgenson emphasizing the unacceptability of receiving medical care in a hallway. Jorgenson called for an apology to the family and urged Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill to visit the emergency department at RUH to witness the situation firsthand.
In response, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) expressed willingness to meet with the patient to understand and learn from the experience. The SHA affirmed ongoing efforts to alleviate capacity pressures by enhancing flow in Saskatoon hospitals and improving emergency room wait times, including plans to expand acute care capacity at Saskatoon City Hospital with an additional 109 inpatient beds in the coming year.
