Why does the father blame the Winnipeg hospital system for his son Luca's death?

The father blames the hospital system because his six-month-old son Luca waited 10 hours in the emergency department and died after a medical procedure.

What medical issue did Luca have before his death at Children's Hospital?

Luca was born with esophageal atresia, a condition where the esophagus and stomach are not connected, and had a routine dilation procedure prior to his death.

What is being investigated regarding patient deaths at Winnipeg hospitals?

At least three patient deaths have occurred in Winnipeg hospitals in recent months following alleged prolonged waits for care, and these are being investigated as critical incidents.

Home / Health / Baby Dies After Hours Waiting in ER

Baby Dies After Hours Waiting in ER

11 Feb

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Summary

A six-month-old boy died after waiting 10 hours in an emergency department.
The child's condition worsened after a routine medical procedure.
The family blames the entire healthcare system for the tragic outcome.

A six-month-old boy, Luca, died at Winnipeg's Children's Hospital after a 10-hour wait in the emergency department. His father, Lu Teng, believes the healthcare system is responsible for his son's death, stating, "I used to trust them with everything." Luca, born with esophageal atresia, had undergone successful surgery and was back for a routine dilation procedure. Following the procedure, he began choking and showed concerning symptoms, leading his parents to rush him back to the hospital.

An X-ray later revealed a hole in Luca's esophagus, likely caused by the dilation. While health officials maintain the response was timely based on initial information, the family felt Lucas's crying and the continuous heart rate monitor alarms indicated a critical situation. The tragedy is one of at least three patient deaths in Winnipeg hospitals in recent months due to alleged prolonged waits for care.

The family's experience has prompted calls for a public inquiry, though the Health Minister stated that a critical incident review is sufficient. Officials informed the family that protocols were followed for a perforated esophagus, and antibiotics were administered. They also noted that no beds were available in other wards earlier in the night. The full findings will be determined after the critical incident review and autopsy are completed.