Home / Health / Sask. Woman Dies Awaiting Ankle Surgery: Health Authority Reviews
Sask. Woman Dies Awaiting Ankle Surgery: Health Authority Reviews
19 Sep
Summary
- Woman died from blood clots after untreated broken ankle.
- Surgery was repeatedly delayed at Royal University Hospital.
- Health Authority is conducting a critical incident review.
In August 2026, a 30-year-old Saskatoon woman, Kirsten Hanke, tragically died from complications stemming from an untreated, severely broken ankle. Her partner shared that Hanke sustained the injury on August 12th after slipping on her front step. She was initially sent home from Royal University Hospital with surgery scheduled for three days later.
However, upon arrival for her operation, her surgery was cancelled due to a lack of scheduled documentation. Hanke passed away five days later, on August 19th, while awaiting a rescheduled surgery date. Her mother received emergency help as Hanke collapsed at home, ultimately succumbing to blood clots that had travelled from her ankle to her lungs.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has classified Hanke's death as a critical incident, initiating a formal review process. This review will involve discussions with the family, who will also be informed of its findings. The family has publicly shared their experience, advocating for changes within the province's healthcare system.
NDP Opposition Leader Carla Beck called for a full investigation into Hanke's death, noting that hundreds of people have shared similar experiences with the opposition party. Data indicates that 333 people died while awaiting surgery in Saskatchewan during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
