The family of an Indigenous woman who died in the emergency room at the St. Catharines site of Niagara Health back in 2021 hope that a coroner’s inquest will help other families not to have to go through a similar experience.
“The family is relieved that a formal and impartial inquest will be held to thoroughly and transparently review the circumstances under which our loved one tragically died,” Heather Winterstein’s family said in a statement. “Heather’s story needs to be told and understood both medically and in its full context to guide systems to embrace measures of prevention of Indigenous inequality. An inquest is an important step in understanding Heather’s experience and in the process of reconciliation.”
The inquest was announced on June 5 in a news release issued by Dr. Karen Schiff, Regional Supervising Coroner in Hamilton. No date or location for the inquest were announced. The proceeding will examine the circumstances surrounding Heather’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
Winterstein, who was 24 at the time of her death, had been brought via ambulance to the emergency department at what is now known as the Marotta Family Hospital on Dec. 9, 2021, complaining of back pain. She was given Tylenol and sent home, but the next day Winterstein returned to the ER and later collapsed and died on the emergency room floor.
It was later revealed that she had died from strep A blood infection.
Last August, an external third-party panel that had been assembled to look at the circumstances surrounding Winterstein’s death concluded that unconscious bias may have played a role in the treatment she received. Niagara Health also completed an internal “Quality of Care Reflective Review” in March 2022.
In a statement released by Niagara Health, president and chief executive officer Lynn Guerriero said it was understood that Winterstein’s family had been “long requesting an inquest into her death.” The health system, Guerriero said, would “fully participate” in the inquest.
“We welcome any recommendations that will help ensure we continue to improve the care for Indigenous patients and their families,” Guerriero said, adding that the health system would provide no further comment on the inquest.
Guerreiro said Niagara Health acknowledged the results of the third-party review and that is in the process of implementing all the recommendations including the creation of a Health Services and Reconciliation Team and sensitivity training for frontline workers.
“As a hospital we have made significant investments in improving care for Indigenous patients and their families, including the development of the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team,” Guerreiro said. “This six-person team directly supports Indigenous patients and their families who are receiving care in the hospital.
Niagara Health has also unveiled a new Indigenous health services plan, created it said, in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and community members.
The plan— Indigenous Health Services Plan: Journey to Reconciliation — was made public back in May, and includes initiatives designed to improve access to health-care services, enhance cultural safety, and promote traditional healing practices within the hospital. It also outlines strategies for recruiting and retaining Indigenous healthcare professionals, strengthening relationships with Indigenous community providers, and providing education and training.
“The plan is designed to address the specific healthcare needs of Indigenous patients while promoting cultural safety and embracing traditional healing practices,” Guerreiro said at the time of the plan’s unveiling.
