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Hospital Death: Witness Haunted by Patient's Final Moments
11 Apr
Summary
- Patient appeared terrified and struggled to control her body.
- Discolored skin and blotchy rash noted by witness before collapse.
- Inquest probes patient's treatment leading to sepsis death.
A witness at a coroner's inquest described the terrifying final moments of Heather Winterstein, who died of sepsis on December 10, 2021, at a St. Catharines hospital, now known as Marotta Family Hospital. Emmaleen Young, believed to be the last person to speak with Winterstein, testified that the patient appeared discolored, struggled to control her body in a wheelchair, and looked "terrified" before collapsing in the waiting room.
Young observed Winterstein's discolored skin and a blotchy rash on her face, neck, and body. Despite Winterstein's clear distress, Young felt the triage nurse's response was dismissive. Winterstein had initially sought medical help on December 9 after a fall but was sent home with Tylenol. She returned by ambulance the next day and was placed in the waiting room.
The inquest heard that hospital rules for reassessment were not followed in the 2.5 hours Winterstein waited. She eventually collapsed, prompting a response from hospital staff that Young described as lacking urgency. Winterstein, a member of the Cayuga Nation, died later that evening, with concerns raised by family and community groups about potential discrimination.
Further testimony involved accusations against an emergency physician who treated Winterstein on December 9. The physician denied fabricating notes and defended his interactions with patients, including one where he questioned a young girl about potential drug smuggling based on a radiologist's findings. The inquest aims to establish facts and potentially recommend improvements to prevent future deaths.
