Health-care worker says man's death while waiting in Nanaimo ER could have been prevented
A health-care worker says they believe a man's recent death while waiting for care in the emergency room at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital could have been prevented.
The source, who works at the hospital, tells CTV News that the middle-aged man arrived at the emergency room on Monday seeking urgent help.
The health-care worker, who is sharing their story anonymously out of fear of losing their job, says the man was suffering from a condition that could have been treated if he'd been helped in time.
But instead, it's alleged that the man was forced to wait in the emergency room for three hours before he died.
The whistleblower tells CTV News that about 50 people were in the waiting room and the man was in obvious need of urgent care. However, because of a lack of staff, he didn't get that care in time.
'PATIENT GOT PROMPT ATTENTION'
Island Health calls the man's death tragic, but disputes some of the details.
The health authority says the man waited in a "monitored area" of the emergency room for less than two hours and that he was attended to during that time.
Island Health says he received an early triage assessment, treatment and testing but that his health "very rapidly" declined.
"The patient got prompt attention," said Dr. Ben Williams, chief medical executive and vice president of medicine and quality for Island Health.
"When they deteriorated they got immediate action from a health-care team that did everything they could, and unfortunately that patient still passed away," said Williams.
The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is shown. (CTV News)
Island Health says it's conducting a review of the man's death, as it does for all sudden deaths.
"I think we're going to review every aspect of the case, as we do, to see if there's any areas we can improve, where we can do better," said Williams.
STAFF CONCERNS
The health-care worker who spoke with CTV News says they came forward because they believe there's a problem of overcrowding at the hospital, along with a lack of staff.
They believe this man's death could have been prevented, and they were motivated to speak up.
Williams says staffing levels at the ER that day were at 82 per cent, and described the Nanaimo ER as the "busiest emergency room on the island."
"I want to say that our hearts and my heart go out to this individual's friends and family, and also the health-care professionals involved in their care," said Williams.
The Island Health executive added that it's a "difficult time in health care."
"I think the public knows that and our staff know that," he said, adding that he was proud of the work the Nanaimo ER team did that day, despite the difficult circumstances.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.