On the day Heather Winterstein passed away from sepsis, an emergency medicine specialist testified at a coroner’s inquest that it was inappropriate to have her waiting in the emergency room at St. Catharines hospital without prompt medical attention. Dr. Ron McMillan emphasized the importance of constant reassessment, especially when resources are limited and staffing shortages exist.
During her transport to the Marotta Family Hospital on December 10, 2021, Winterstein’s vital signs showed significant fluctuations, according to the Ontario inquest. Despite seeking healthcare at the hospital for two days, Winterstein tragically succumbed to her illness.
Winterstein, aged 24 at the time of her passing in 2021, had sought medical help after a fall down a flight of stairs. Following an initial assessment that attributed her visit to “social issues,” Winterstein returned to the emergency department the next day and collapsed while waiting for care. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.
An autopsy revealed that Winterstein’s death was caused by sepsis resulting from bacterial infections. Concerns have been raised by family members and community groups regarding potential discrimination and racism in her treatment due to her Indigenous background.
Dr. David Eden, overseeing the inquest, highlighted the critical need for regular vital sign checks for patients like Winterstein who revisit the emergency department within a short timeframe. Winterstein, who was triaged at a high priority level, should have received immediate attention according to the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS).
The healthcare system faced challenges during the pandemic, with staffing shortages affecting patient care. Testimonies indicated that Winterstein should have been reassessed every 15 minutes while waiting in the emergency room, a protocol that may not have been consistently followed.
Paramedic testimonies revealed that Winterstein’s vital signs were unstable during transport to the hospital. Despite challenges in obtaining accurate readings, it was suggested that Winterstein should have been handled more cautiously during her transfer.
The Niagara Ontario Health Team expressed its commitment to learning from the inquest findings, particularly in improving care coordination, addressing Indigenous health disparities, and combating racism in healthcare. Inquests aim to shed light on the circumstances of a death and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents. The ongoing Winterstein inquest is anticipated to involve testimonies from multiple witnesses over several days.
