It was pouring rain outside the Sessions on the River recording studio in Fort Erie, Ont., Thursday night, but that didn’t stop friends, family, and community members from coming together to honor Heather Winterstein.
Her passing at the St. Catharines hospital over four years ago has sparked concerns about how Indigenous individuals and those struggling with mental health or substance use are treated by the health-care system.
Just days before a coroner’s inquest is scheduled to start regarding Winterstein’s death in late 2021 at what is now known as the Marotta Family Hospital, Thursday’s gathering was a celebration of her life and impact.
“My niece was a person, a loved person with family,” her aunt Jill Lunn shared with . “We want to support Heather’s parents and remind everyone she was a beautiful, wonderful person who deserved better.”
Jill Lunn, right, speaks about her niece Thursday night. (Paul Forsyth/CBC)
Winterstein died after spending two days trying to get health care at the hospital in December of that year.
She arrived by ambulance on Dec. 9, 2021, complaining of severe back pain after falling. However, she received just a Tylenol and was sent home with a bus ticket, according to a report from the Office of the Chief Coroner released in February. The report stated that the physician believed “social issues” were behind her visit.
The following morning her family called emergency medical services when they saw that Winterstein’s skin looked grey and took her back to the hospital.
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Francine Shimizu-Orgar speaks at the tribute held Thursday night for her daughter who died after seeking treatment at St. Catharines hospital in 2021. (Paul Forsyth/CBC)
Shimizu-Orgar mentioned that Winterstein had confided in her about being addicted to heroin and fentanyl but also emphasized that her daughter had moments of joy in life.
“Heather was a gentle person who loved animals,” she recalled fondly speaking about her daughter’s budgies, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and lizards. “I called her my little zookeeper.”
Inside the music studio on Thursday evening hung one solitary pink dress on display. Winterstein’s mom noted it was Heather’s prom dress from happier times.
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Winterstein’s pink prom dress displayed during Thursday night’s tribute held in Fort Erie, Ont., (Paul Forsyth/CBC)
The inquiry announced its initiation earlier this year will serve as public hearings intended “to inform people about circumstances surrounding deaths,” without placing blame or determining guilt or innocence instead allowing jurors only conclusions based upon facts presented along possible recommendations meant preventing future incidents noted by officials.
Niagara Health operates St. Catharines hospital alongside other “parties involved” present throughout Dr. David Eden led sessions making clear interest affecting others unique interests stemming potential outcomes suggested depending party detail outlined officials’ offices fully aware respective roles undertaken focus areas impacting patients directly.
In previous remarks made towards Linda Boich Vice President recognized tragic nature associated loss highlighting concern regarding bias/racism occurring across healthcare systems including establishments such as theirs indicated email correspondence received stating firm commitment tackling these challenges ahead moving forward positively addressing gaps remain persistent.
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Winterstein pictured here during younger years passed away December 2021 St. Catharines Ontario (Submitted Rosemary Ripper)
Boich confirmed Niagara Health accepted every recommendation made including mandating cultural safety training staff implementing Indigenous Health Services Reconciliation team supporting needs amongst indigenous communities starting recruit retraining additional employees physicians volunteers identifying active participation creating environment safe accessible enable everyone receive appropriate level care regardless background lived experience finally improved communication established patients voice heard loud clear respected through processes involved day basis well rounded comprehensive attention given effectively delivering results desired.
Ontario Federation Indigenous Friendship Centres stated earlier affirming importance inquiries taking place examining systemic barriers perpetuated against Indigenous populations emphasizing significance understanding ramifications lack cultural sensitivity alongside institutional systemic racism experienced regularly impacting lives everyday hence why advocacy required considered crucial moment pursuing effective changes while battling deeply rooted issues remain prevalent generations long overdue adjustment societal norms require address respect fairness equality maintained across board each individual deserves deserve dignity hope strengthen relationships trust between diverse cultures throughout society setting precedence mutually beneficial progress attainable together collective efforts aimed overcoming obstacles still evident
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Attempts to Resuscitate Failed
After waiting for hours in the emergency department’s waiting area, Winterstein collapsed onto the floor. The coroner’s office reported that she was quickly moved to intensive care where attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. An autopsy revealed that Winterstein died from sepsis caused by an extreme response to an infection linked to streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus bacteria, according to the coroner’s office. Winterstein’s mother, Francine Shimizu-Orgar, is tormented by what her daughter faced during her final moments. “One of the witnesses said she looked terrified,” she told CBC at Thursday’s tribute. “That’s not something a mother should hear.”The Inquest Starts Monday
The inquiry into Winterstein’s death begins Monday and is expected to last roughly two weeks with around 22 witnesses scheduled to testify. Shimizu-Orgar warned attendees they would likely hear shocking testimonies regarding how healthcare was provided for her daughter during this time. You are going to be outraged as I was.- Francine Shimizu-Orgar “I want you all to be prepared for when you listen to their testimony; you’re going to be outraged like I was,” she expressed during the gathering. Shimizu-Orgar hopes recommendations resulting from this inquiry will help ensure no other families have experiences like hers due to how their loved ones are treated based on addiction or being part of marginalized groups. “My goal is simply stopping this kind of thing from happening again,” she added sincerely. “I don’t want any other parent with an addicted child or Indigenous child or anyone marginalized facing what we went through.” “I’m glad this inquiry will take place because I refuse for Heather’s death not mean anything; it will lead us into something new that’s powerful.”‘Heartbreaking Reminder’ About Racism Within Healthcare
A third-party panel commissioned upon Niagara Health per review events occurred leading up conditions surrounding said patient ultimately found abnormal vital signs existed first visit discharged without proper assessment done meanwhile acknowledging possibility unconscious bias could’ve played role considering factors like label associating addiction homelessness furthermore released findings August containing multiple actionable suggestions highlighted necessity change instituted promptly within all related entities involved subsequently established basis resolving matters raised prior faced difficulties ensuring necessary steps take shortly thereafter taken facilitate healing process.Source link
