Hospital Care Under Scrutiny After Patient Death
A Winnipeg family is demanding answers following the death of 68-year-old Judy Burns, who passed away days after being treated at St. Boniface Hospital’s emergency department. Relatives believe delayed diagnosis and treatment contributed to her deteriorating condition.
Timeline of Medical Events
Burns was admitted to the emergency room in the early hours of January 18 after being found unresponsive, pale, and showing signs of delirium. Her daughter Chelsea Mann reported that medical staff initially diagnosed dehydration and diverticulosis following a brief wait for physician assessment.
“She wasn’t OK despite their assurances,” Mann stated. “Medical staff repeatedly assured us she’d recover within 48 hours, but we insisted she needed immediate endoscopic examination.”
Despite continuous family advocacy throughout the day, Burns suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest that evening. Emergency surgery revealed a small intestinal ulcer and significant internal bleeding. Although she survived the procedure, Burns never regained consciousness and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Family Questions Care Delays
“We believe earlier intervention could have saved her,” Mann explained. “By the time I returned to the hospital that night, she was already on life support.” Three days after admission, the family made the difficult decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment.
Mann described her mother as the family’s emotional anchor, with daily communication routines involving her young grandson. The family formally documented their concerns in a communication to hospital administration the day following Burns’ death.
Hospital and Government Response
A spokesperson for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority confirmed that St. Boniface Hospital’s medical leadership has initiated a review of the circumstances surrounding Burns’ care. “Appropriate follow-up actions will be determined through this process,” the representative stated.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara extended condolences to the family while confirming an additional review process. “Clinical experts are carefully examining whether this situation meets critical incident criteria based on established patient safety protocols,” the Minister stated.
The investigation will evaluate diagnostic timelines, treatment decisions, and communication between medical staff and the patient’s family during Burns’ hospitalization.
