Health Minister updated on ER death at HSC

An investigation into how a man died at Health Sciences Centre while after waiting eight hours continues.

Manitoba’s Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has provided an update on the death of a man in Winnipeg who passed away while waiting for emergency care at Health Sciences Centre. 

Uzoma Asagwara, in a statement issued Friday, said the man who died was valued and had people who loved him, saying the tragedy has impacted many within the province. 

“Our government reaffirms our commitment to fixing the health-care system so it works better for patients and we are undertaking a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this patient’s death,” they said in the statement. “The findings of this investigation will inform learnings for the system that better protect patients across Manitoba.” 

Stressing the government is already working on improvements, the Minister explained on Friday, they received a preliminary update on the status of the investigation, saying an autopsy into the man’s death is expected by the end of next week. 

The statement explained the report will be delivered to the man’s family, but it will also be used in the investigation into the death, with a critical incident response review set to be completed within roughly two weeks of when the autopsy report is received. 

“This patient died without the dignity and compassion every Manitoban has a right to receive at the end of their life,” Minister Asagwara said. 

“Our government has an obligation to him, his family and all Manitobans to respond to this failing and take action to improve health care.”