Home / Health / Expert Witness Backs Doctor in Sepsis Death Inquest
Expert Witness Backs Doctor in Sepsis Death Inquest
8 Apr
Summary
- Expert finds no signs of infection post-mortem.
- Doctor's initial sepsis assessment defended by expert.
- Inquest examines death of 24-year-old Heather Winterstein.
An inquest into the death of Heather Winterstein, 24, heard from an emergency medical expert who supported the clinical decisions made by the physician who treated her the day before she died. Dr. Ron McMillan, an expert from McMaster University, reviewed hospital records and a post-mortem examination.
McMillan noted that Winterstein did not present with typical sepsis warning signs during her initial triage on December 9, 2021. He stated that the post-mortem report identified no source of infection, which supported the physician's examination. McMillan also defended the decision not to order bloodwork or antibiotics, citing the risk of antimicrobial resistance when infection is not confirmed.
The inquest, held virtually over 13 days, aims to inform the public about the circumstances surrounding Winterstein's death on December 10, 2021. Winterstein's family and community organizations have raised concerns about potential addiction discrimination and anti-Indigenous racism influencing her treatment.
